Chapter 26 Secret Mission
Aria: POV
The palace hallways were silent as I moved through the shadows, counting the seconds in my head. Tomorrow night, the wedding ceremony would begin. My hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the effort of containing the storm energy that pulsed beneath my skin.
"Three guards at the northwest corner. Wait for the shift change," Zephyr whispered in my mind, her voice like a gentle breeze against my thoughts.
I nodded, pressing myself against the wall. My dragon soul was right. After five years of serving as Lyra's handmaid, I knew every guard rotation, every blind spot in the palace's security. Tonight, that knowledge would finally serve its true purpose.
When the guards changed positions, I slipped through, my servant's clothing providing the perfect disguise. The storm energy inside me swirled restlessly, begging for release after years of suppression.
Orion's seal had kept my powers dormant, my identity hidden, but since reuniting with Kael, the magic fought against its constraints.
"Focus, Aria," Zephyr cautioned. "Your brother is counting on us."
Brother. The word still felt new on my tongue, a miracle I never thought possible.
I reached into my sleeve, retrieving a small vial filled with a misty substance—a special blend of mountain herbs from the Mist Valley. Zephyr guided my control, helping me manipulate tiny air currents to spread the vapor. The guards at Lyra's door never saw it coming. Their eyes drooped, and within moments, they slumped against the wall.
One guard stirred as I approached, his suspicious gaze landing on me. "What are you doing here at this hour, girl?"
I lowered my head in practiced submission. "Lady Selene sent me with fresh water for the princess." I raised a small pitcher I'd brought along. "She worries the princess isn't drinking enough."
The guard's expression softened momentarily before his eyes narrowed again. "Wait, I don't remember—"
I released another gentle current of herb-infused air, directed precisely at his face. His words slurred, and he joined his companions in slumber.
Approaching Lyra's door, I noticed elaborate reinforcements—magical locks and glowing runes there. As I reached for the lock, Lyra's urgent voice came from inside.
"Stop! Don't touch it! The door is trapped!"
I pulled my hand back instantly. "Lyra? It's me, Aria."
"Cassius set void traps on the door," she explained, her voice hollow with exhaustion. "Anyone who touches it will trigger an alarm and drain their elemental energy."
Looking closer, I could see faint purple-black energy pulsing through the wood. Zephyr hissed in my mind, recoiling from the void signature.
Through a small gap in the door, I glimpsed Lyra. She leaned against the far wall, her face pale and drawn. Purple burns marked her arms where void energy had scorched her skin. Despite her condition, her eyes remained defiant, and Stella's starlight formed a protective aura around her.
"We need to talk, but we can't open this door," I whispered. "Do you remember our wind-water secret language?"
A ghost of a smile touched Lyra's lips. "From when we were younger? Of course."
With careful movements, Lyre manipulated water molecules in the air, forming shimmering blue replies. Cassius plans void ritual. Triple moon alignment tomorrow night. Needs my blood.
Our dragon souls strengthened this connection, making the exchange fluid and invisible to any guards who might pass by.
He poisoned my father for years, her water message continued. Only storm dragon sealing power can stop ritual.
Lyra slapped her forehead, looking frustrated. "I tried calling out to him again, but it feels like our connection has been blocked by something—maybe it's the Void magic that Cassius cast in the room... He left so suddenly."
Taking a deep breath, I decided to reveal part of the truth. Don't worry about finding Storm-wing. I know where Kael is.
Her brow furrowed in confusion.
He's my brother, I explained, watching her eyes widen. I've been searching for him for years. Orion protected me, sealed my powers to keep me safe.
I described our reunion, how Orion had saved me after the massacre, keeping me hidden until I could fulfill my purpose—protecting the Star-Chosen. My dragon soul, Zephyr, had been suppressed, but now stirred more strongly each day.
We'll break the void traps, I promised. Kael's storm sealing abilities combined with your starlight purification can resist the void ritual's progress.
When? Lyra asked.
Before the ceremony. We have plans. I outlined our initial strategy, promising to return with more details.
She hesitated, then formed another question. What happened to Arden?
The mention of her betrayer made my jaw clench, but I replied honestly. Star light cells. Alive, condition unknown.
Sadness flickered across her face, Stella's light dimming briefly. Despite everything, she still cared for him.
The sound of footsteps echoed down the hall—Lady Lena's distinctive gait. Panic surged through me as Zephyr sensed her approaching.
"Someone's coming," I whispered urgently. "I'll return when I can."
I ducked around the corner just as Lady Lena appeared with two guards. She paused, her eyes narrowing as she sensed the faint wind energy lingering in the air.
"What's this?" she questioned, looking around suspiciously.
I stepped out, pretending to adjust a wall sconce. "Forgive me, Lady Lena. Lady Selene asked me to check that the princess's corridor was properly lit."
She studied me with cold eyes. "At this hour?"
"Lady Selene was concerned about preparation for tomorrow's decorations," I improvised. "She wants everything perfect for her daughter's... wedding."
Lady Lena seemed unconvinced but nodded slightly. "Return to your quarters immediately. No one should be wandering these halls tonight."
I curtseyed deeply. "Of course, my lady."
As dawn approached, I met Kael at our rendezvous point. His eyes crackled with barely contained electricity as I relayed everything Lyra had told me.
"We need to move faster than planned," he said, spreading a palace map on a low stone wall. “we have about a day to act."
We finalized our strategy: Marcus would handle the outer guards, Thor would lead a diversion at the wedding, I would secure Lady Selene and help her reach Lyra, and Kael would confront Cassius directly.
As we prepared to part ways, Kael gripped my hand tightly. "Be careful, little sister. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"The same goes for you," I replied. "Don't let anger cloud your judgment. We need precision, not vengeance."
Our dragon souls, Zephyr and Stormbringer, formed a brief energy bridge between us.
"By tomorrow night's triple moon alignment," Kael said softly, "we either succeed or all is lost."
We disappeared into the early morning light, each carrying our part of the mission, our dragon souls surging with purpose and hope.