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87
Tiara’s Pov

I knew I'd spent so long waiting for my moment, for the powers that the Moon Goddess had promised me. Yet, here I was, still feeling powerless. 

Every day that passed, it became clearer that if I didn’t do something soon, I would remain stuck in this position, forever overshadowed by Aria and the others, mere people would trample over me. 

For so long of years that I've been in my nets, locked and turned away, I didn't want that to happen again. I didn't want to be useless.

And now my powers that I have left to bring back my whole self were slipping away. The Moon Goddess would win, and I would be left behind.

I knew I had to act. I had to show that I could handle the powers when they were given to me, that I was worthy of the strength I believed I deserved.

I’ve seen Aria, seen what she could do with her emotions alone. If her powers become graven and deep, she'd overpower me. And what use was I without my full ability. I couldn't even shift into my wolf form. 

The jealousy bubbled inside me. It was not my fault anyways, but I couldn’t help it. I hated the way she seemed so capable. But I wouldn't fail, I couldn't allow that, not after everything I've sacrificed to get so far. 

I needed to make my move, and I needed to do it quickly. If I waited too long, Aria would become a true threat to me. I could already see the cracks forming in her confidence, but she still had the upper hand, and that was something I couldn’t afford. I had to break her before she realized how powerful she truly was.

I decided to do something about it. I went to Connor, determined to put my plan into action. 

"You need to give Aria some space. She’s been through so much, and I think it’s time she focuses on getting back on her feet. You should focus on finding Sofia, and I’ll take care of Aria for you. She obviously doesn't want to see you, so I'll make the deal with you. You stay away from her fro a while, and you can get Sofia back. That way we'd know we're no longer under anyone's threat."

Connor looked at me with an unbelievable sight. "You’re right," he said, his voice heavy with concern. "Aria needs time to heal. And Sofia... well, I have to find her before she does any more damage. I don't want Val to be in a bad hand anymore. My boy needs to grow in the middle of a peaceful environment."

I smiled to myself as I saw him agree to my plan. This was exactly what I wanted. "I’ll take care of her," I said again, this time with more confidence. "Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she’s okay."

I took my chances and went to her room that evening, dismissing Connor was the best thing and I had to move on to getting Aria. Getting closer to her than I've been was what I wanted. 

"Aria…MiLady.” I called softly. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

She turned to look at me, her eyes were tired but clear. "I’m fine," she said, her voice steady. "I’m back in my full strength now. Thank you for everything you’ve done."

"You don't know how happy I am to hear that from you," I said, stepping closer to her. "You've been through a lot and I know it. We've both been. But you’re strong, Aria. You’ll get through this."

Aria smiled faintly but didn’t say anything more. I knew she was hiding something and she probably had one or two bothering her. If only I got to hear it from her, it would be a pleasure to help. Still, I had to play my part first. 

We continued talking and she only spoke of how she knew she wouldn't lose because the moon goddess was in her favour. Who speaks like that? It was only in her manner. She was the Luna, the one everyone revered. And I was nothing more than a shadow, lurking in her wake. But that was going to change.

I had to show her that I was stronger than she thought. And once my curse was broken, I'd take my place as I see fit.

I went to the training grounds the next day, where Aria was practicing with a sword. She looked focused, determined. I could only wish that she was nothing and she saw herself as nothing also. Everything would turn out right if she could just stop boasting. 

I approached her slowly, watching as she swung the sword expertly. "You’re doing well," I said, my voice calm but full of purpose. "But maybe I can help you improve."

Aria looked at me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You think so?" 

I nodded. "I'm sure of it. You've had a lot on your neck. You need to feel in control again. Let me help you."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, let's see how far you can go.” 

I moved closer, taking my sword and swung it playfully. We began to spar, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. 

The clash of steel against steel, the rhythm of our movements, it was almost like we were equals. But I knew I was better. I just needed to show her that and I would be respected like I should have been. 

I swung my sword with a little more force than necessary, catching Aria off guard. She stumbled back, and I watched as her eyes flashed with surprise. Before she could recover, I hit her again, this time, I didn't miss.

She cried out in pain, clutching her side as blood began to seep from the wound. I looked at her and something strange happened. The injury healed almost instantly. The blood stopped flowing, and her skin closed back itself like nothing ever happened. 

How was this possible?

I stood there, as Aria looked at me with wide eyes. "What just happened