CHAPTER 89: HAS HE ALWAYS BEEN THIS POWERFUL?

Lumina gave a weak smile, though it did not reach her eyes as her aunt revealed the news.

"So they really want me dead in two years... but why wait that long?" she asked softly, her voice carrying both fear and bitterness.

Seraphina’s gaze was steady, "Because that is the time I have given them, Lumina. Nothing will happen before then."

Lumina tilted her head slightly, as if listening more closely. Every word her aunt spoke seemed to sink deep inside her chest, weighing heavily on her heart.

"That is why, within those two years, you must be ready to rise to the throne," Seraphina continued, her voice sharper now, carrying authority.

"Aunt..." Lumina whispered, frustration slipping into her voice. She wanted to protest, but the words caught in her throat.

Seraphina leaned closer, "You cannot ruin this, Lumina. You must take revenge for your mother’s death. Do not forget the price I paid to make him choose you, to make sure you were bound as the last soul of Drakonis’ wife." Her words fell like heavy stones, leaving Lumina no space to argue.

Lumina’s chest tightened. Her thoughts spun like a storm. Her fingers curled into her skirts as she sat silently, caught between fear, duty, and a quiet anger that burned in her chest.

FLASHBACK

When Prince Adam had come for the engagement finalization between Rhynera and him at that very moment, Lumina felt the air around her change.

The world seemed to slow, almost as if time itself had stopped. Lumina’s heart raced, confusion setting in as to why Seraphina was appearing now?

Lumina recognized her instantly and that recognition brought a small, proud smile to Seraphina’s lips. It gave Seraphina the courage to know her plan was working and that she could now send Lumina to the Drakonis realm.

Seraphina’s presence drew close, her steps quiet as she stopped just behind Lumina’s chair.

"Aunt..." Lumina whispered under her breath, her voice trembling with both fear and relief.

Seraphina leaned down, her tone sharp yet gentle. "This is your only moment, child. The only chance you have to secure your path into the Drakonis Realm, just as I told you before."

Lumina’s chest tightened, She lowered her head, her hands clutching at her gown. "But you said I would meet the one who was truly meant for me, and through him I would see the world again. And now you want me to marry another? Someone I do not even know?"

"Do not waste time with questions," Seraphina murmured, her hand brushing lightly across Lumina’s shoulder.

"The barrier of the Celestial Realm will not hold much longer. When it breaks, this chance will be gone. You must act now, or everything we planned will be lost."

Tears burned behind Lumina’s blindfold, but she pressed her lips together. "Aunt, I don’t want to go to the Drakonis world. And if I use my power here, they will sense it.."

"I have already blocked your presence," Seraphina whispered quickly, "For now, no one can feel what you are doing. You are safe. Take courage, child."

Lumina’s fingers trembled as she slowly stood from her seat. Every movement felt heavy, as if her entire body resisted. But Seraphina’s steady presence guided her, one hand at her back urging her forward.

Lumina’s hands shook as she reached where Prince Adam stood still.

Her fingers brushed the cloth over her eyes. She hesitated, her heart pounding. For one long moment, she wondered if she should obey or if she should fight.

But then she remembered her mother. Slowly, with a soft intake of breath, Lumina slid the blindfold away from her face. Her voice came out soft but clear. "Arrange for my wedding ceremony... also with Ashen, the last prince of the Drakonis Realm."

Seraphina’s lips curved into a faint smile, satisfaction glowing in her eyes.

"Good," she whispered. "You have done well."

Lumina’s pulse quickened. Fear twisted in her chest and she whispered, "Aunt... will they find out what I have done?"

"No," Seraphina promised. "Return to your seat now and watch. Adam will follow your words exactly and no one will suspect a thing."

With shaking legs, Lumina sank back into her chair. She folded her trembling hands in her lap, her blindfold slipping once more into place.

And then, just as her aunt had said, Prince Adam’s voice rose.

"I would also want Princess Lumina... as the wife of the last prince of Drakonia."

The words echoed through the chamber. Lumina lowered her head, forcing her lips into a sorrowful smile.

PRESENT

"Aunt..." Lumina’s voice wavered.

"Lumina... you need to learn more about this poison and find its antidote. I promised your mother I would protect you. Do not make me regret bringing you here," Seraphina urged.

Just then a footstep echoed outside the chamber. Seraphina stiffened. She was confused as to how the time-still spell had broken.

"Someone is coming... find out who dares break my power," she whispered, as she dissipated in thin air leaving Lumina dumbstruck.

She sat quietly waiting for the door to open and just like she had thought the door opened and that familiar scent washed through her nose.

"Ashen.." she thought in confusion.

At the same time, Stella moved to Lumina’s side. "My lady, allow me to check your wrist," she repeated like nothing had gone wrong.

Until she passed confused, staring at her mistress. "What? I just checked your wrist, why wasn’t your wrist.." Lumina rolled her eyes.

"Check what you want.." she muttered

Then she felt Ashen’s presence filling the room. She could hear the slight shuffle of his boots, the faint rasp of his breath.

"Lumina..." his voice broke slightly, disbelief evident and even restrained.

Stella’s voice caught in her throat feeling Ashen’s presence behind her.

"My... my lord... how... how did you.." She fell silent, eyes wide and afraid.

Lumina remained frozen, trying to ground herself. Several thoughts clouded her head.

If he could break through Seraphina’s power, what else could he do? Has he always been this powerful but was pretending?