Chapter 2

Queen Lyra sat in her chambers, her eyes fixed on the small, decorated box in front of her. The box was adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of protection, and it held a secret that only she knew.

As the wife of King Ryker, Lyra had always been expected to be a dutiful and supportive queen. But she had a secret that could change everything. She was a wielder of magic, a power that was forbidden in the kingdom.

Lyra's magic was a gift from her mother, a powerful sorceress who had taught her how to harness her abilities in secret. But as she grew older, Lyra realized that her powers were not just a gift, but a curse. She was forced to hide her true nature from her husband and the rest of the kingdom, living a life of lies and deception.

As she opened the box, a small puff of smoke escaped, carrying the scent of rose petals and vanilla. Inside, a small crystal orb glowed ticking light. Queen Lyra's heart raced as she reached for the orb, feeling its power coursing through her veins.

She closed her eyes, focusing her thoughts on the darkness spreading across the land. She could feel its presence, a malevolent force that sought to destroy everything in its path. Lyra knew that she had to do something, but she was trapped in a life that was not her own.

As she opened her eyes, a knock at the door broke the silence. "Enter," she called out, her voice steady.

Prince Kaid, entered, dressed in casual attire, not his royal robes.

"Hi, Mother," he said, approaching her.

"Hey, my son," she replied, smiling. "How are you doing?"

"Not much, Mother. Just thinking about Father's iron fist and Grandmother's imprisonment," he said, sitting beside her.

Queen Lyra's expression turned somber. "I know, son. I'm worried about your father's actions too."

Kaid muttered, "I believe the prophecy, Mother. Someone will defeat the darkness."

Queen Lyra noticed his change of outfit. "Where are you off to, Kaid? And why aren't you wearing your royal robes?"

"I'm going hunting, Mother," he replied, standing up.

"Hunting? Alone and dressed like that? Kaid, you're a prince! You should have guards with you," she said, concern etched on her face.

"Don't worry about me, Mother. Worry about Father instead," he said, departing the room.

Queen Lyra sighed, her eyes following him. She understood his desire for freedom but feared for his safety.

As she sat in contemplation, , A maid, entered with a gentle curtsy. "Your Majesty, I brought the new robes you asked me to wash."

Queen Lyra nodded, her mind still with her son. "Thank you, Leave them on the table. I'll ensure to check them later."

The maid departed, leaving Queen Lyra to her thoughts, her gaze lingering on the robes, before returning to the weight of the kingdom's troubles.

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The king's advisors walked and talked in low voices, their long robes wagging as they went. Lord Thomas, a wise and experienced advisor, spoke up.

"Gentlemen, we can't ignore what's happening. The darkness is spreading, and our scouts report strange things in neighboring kingdoms."

Lord Edward, a seasoned warrior, nodded seriously. "I've seen it myself, Thomas. The shadows seem to move on their own, and people are getting worried."

Lord Michael, a scholar who studied ancient texts, spoke up. "I've read the prophecies, and I think we're facing a big crisis. The Black Book says the land will be torn apart, and only a few will make it through."

Lord James, a skilled ambassador, raised an eyebrow. "Make it through? You mean, like, the end of the world?"

Lord Michael nodded solemnly. "Yes, James. The end of our world, at least. The prophecies say there will be a new beginning, but first, there will be great destruction and chaos."

The advisors fell silent, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they thought about what they had discussed.

Lord Thomas spoke up, his voice firm but worried. "We need to tell the king about this. He needs to know the gravity of the situation."

Lord Edward nodded. "But will he listen? He's been... distant lately. More concerned with his own power than the kingdom's welfare."

Lord Michael sighed. "I fear you're right, Edward. But we must try. For the sake of the kingdom, we must try."

Lord James spoke up, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. "And what of the prince? Kaid, I mean. He seems to be the only one who cares about the people."

Lord Thomas's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes, Kaid. He may be our only hope. If we can convince him to speak to his father..."

The advisors continued their discussion, their voices hushed but urgent, as they walked through the village, trying to find a solution to the kingdom's growing problems.

Lord Ravenswood stepped into the cave where Sorcerer Aria resided, a seer who had been challenging the king's rule. He had been sent to silence her for good. As he entered, she noticed him and began mumbling incantations. Undeterred, he approached her, his hand on the handle of his sword.

"The king sent you," she muttered, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Yes, to deliver a message," he replied, drawing his sword from its scabbard.

Aria's eyes gleamed with a fierce light. "Your king won't last forever... someone will stop him. Our chosen one has been revealed, and she is of age. He cannot do anything about it. Light will shine against darkness."

With a swift motion, she plunged the sword into her own stomach, a look of serene determination on her face. "Light will shine against darkness," she whispered, her body going limp.

Lord Ravenswood stood there, the sword still trembling with the force of Aria's final act. He couldn't help but admire her conviction, even if it was misguided. The king had grown increasingly paranoid and brutal, but Aria's challenge only served to fuel the fire.

As he turned to leave, he noticed a small, leather-bound book lying open on the ground. Aria's final words still lingered in the air, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was the "chosen one" she spoke of. He picked up the book, and a piece of paper slipped out, carrying a message in neat writing.

"To whoever finds this,

Know that the darkness will soon be defeated. The chosen one has been revealed, and she will bring light to the kingdom. Seek her out, and stand by her side, for our kingdom's fate depends on it.

“Farewell Aria”

Lord Ravenswood's eyes narrowed as he read the message. He had a feeling that his mission was far from over. The king would not take kindly to this news, and he would stop at nothing to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass.

With a deep breath, Lord Ravenswood tucked the piece of paper into his belt and left the cave, the weight of his task growing heavier with each step. Little did he know, the chosen one was closer than he thought, and their paths would cross sooner rather than later...

NIRI KINGDOM, 5: 30PM

Later that day, Precious sat in Sophia's cozy market stall, surrounded by beautiful dresses and the soft hum of sewing.

Sophia showcased her stunning new design to Precious. The vibrant colors and intricate sewing caught the eye of a passing noble, who bought a beautiful gown on the spot.

As Sophia beamed with pride, Precious grinned, "I told you your designs would make you famous one day!"

As they chatted, Sophia asked, "What's up with Stanley?" Her eyes remained fixed on the dress she was stitching, but her tone hinted at curiosity.

Precious let out a sigh. "He's been really busy lately, but I'm sure he'll call me soon." Sophia looked up, her gaze piercing. "Don't you think he's distancing himself from you, though? He doesn't call like he used to, and he rarely comes to pick you up from the restaurant."

Precious shrugged. "I've noticed, but I know he's busy. He works at the blacksmith shop, and they have a lot of work on their hands. I'll go see him tomorrow after work, anyway." Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Hmm...if you say so."

Precious quickly changed the subject. "I love this dress you're making, Sophia! It's perfect." Sophia beamed. "You trust me, girl! Wait till the queen recognizes my work, and I'll be the one sewing all her royal robes!" Precious smiled. "I know, my dear friend."

Hey, before we head home, I want to stop by the bookstore downtown to grab a new book. I've read all the ones I purchased last time and need something fresh." precious sais

"Alright, girl! Go ahead and treat yourself to a new read. You deserve it!" Sophia beamed with smile as she continued sewing

"Thanks, Sophia! I'm really in the mood for something new and exciting. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Well, I've heard great things about the new fantasy novel that just came out. Or if you're in the mood for something a bit more romantic, there's a new recent novel that's getting rave reviews." Sophia added

"Hmm, that sounds great! I think I'll check out the fantasy novel. Thanks for the suggestion, Sophia!"

"No problem, dear! Happy reading!" later on the two ladies continued chatting and laughing

LATER ON

The two ladies walked out of Sophia's shop and headed to the bookstore.

Unbeknownst to the two ladies, a figure had been watching Precious and Sophia as they talked. The figure vanished into the bookshop just as Precious was heading there.

As the two ladies entered the cozy nook, Sophia showed Precious the latest novel that had been making waves in town. "See, the book I was telling you about?" Sophia said.

Just as precious was about to pick up the book, her eyes landed on another one that caught her attention. She walked over to it, her eyes fixed on the cover, and picked it up after a moment's hesitation. "Nice, not bad," she muttered to herself, feeling an inexplicable energy originating from the book.

Just then, Precious walked over to Sophia, having found what she was looking for. "I've seen what I want; this one sounds more interesting," Precious said, holding up the book she had chosen.

Sophia stared at the book with an unreadable expression. "Why would you pick that, of all the books in the store?" Sophia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"I just like it; it's like it's calling to me to purchase it," Precious replied, and Sophia raised an eyebrow.

After paying for the book, the two ladies left the store, but Sophia couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She kept glancing at the book in Precious's hands, her mind racing with thoughts.

As they walked out of the store, Sophia couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. She kept glancing at the book in Precious's hands, her mind racing with thoughts.

"Precious, can I ask you something?" Sophia said, her voice low and cautious.

"Of course, Sophia! What's on your mind?" Precious replied, her eyes still scanning the pages of her new book.

"Precious, where did you find that book?" Sophia asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.

"It was just sitting there, calling my name," Precious replied with a chuckle.

"It's just... that book you chose. I've never seen it before. And I've been coming to that store for years," Sophia said, her brow furrowed in concern.

Precious shrugged. "Maybe it's a new arrival?"

Sophia's gaze lingered on the book's cover, her eyes scanning the title and author. "I don't recognize the author... and the title seems... odd."

Precious laughed. "Oh, Sophia, you're being dramatic. It's just a book!"

But Sophia's instincts were screaming otherwise. She knew that book was trouble.

As they walked further, the figure that had been watching them earlier reappeared, lurking in the shadows. Sophia's eyes flashed towards it, but Precious seemed oblivious.

"Precious, I think we should get going," Sophia said, her voice firm.

But Precious was too engrossed in her new book, her eyes scanning the pages with an unsettling intensity.

"Sophia, look at this!" Precious exclaimed, her voice full of excitement. "This book is talking about the Black Book!"

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. She knew they had to get out of there, fast.

“Let's go!” Sophia out yelled

“Why are you such in a rush?” Precious asked running after Sophia

“I'm having a slight headache, let's just go home” Sophia feigned a yawn and Precious nodded. “Okay then” Precious replied putting the book in her bag.