The soft rhythm of footsteps echoed through the hallways of the Valemir estate, but inside Aria's room, silence clung to the air. The weight of impending change pressed against her chest.
The door creaked open. Her mother, Lady Elira Valemir, entered, her face drawn tight in a way that Aria had not seen before. Behind her, her father, Lord Varian Valemir, followed—his steps slower, heavier than usual.
"We need to talk," her mother said, her voice lacking the usual warmth.
Aria didn't answer immediately. She knew this conversation was coming. She had seen the way her parents had looked at her recently—less as their daughter, and more as a delicate treasure to be locked away from the world.
"I've been hearing reports," Lady Elira continued, her hands folding tightly in front of her, "about incidents. Your incidents."
Aria's golden eyes narrowed. "Incidents?"
"Magic is dangerous, Aria," her father spoke up, his tone sharper than usual. "And it's becoming too dangerous. Too much. You're not a child anymore. I know you think you're in control, but you're not."
"You think I want this?!" Aria stood, her voice rising with the familiar heat of frustration. "You think I asked for all this power? This—this… curse?!"
She gestured to the glowing runes on her skin, which pulsed faintly beneath her clothes. The golden fire that had once been an expression of freedom now felt like a chain around her wrist.
Her father's face hardened. "You're not a child anymore, Aria. You are a weapon. And until you learn to control it—truly control it—you are not allowed to leave this estate."
Aria's mouth went dry. "You're locking me up?"
"Until you're old enough to attend the Magic Academy. At fifteen," her mother replied, voice stern. "You'll be under the supervision of tutors—proper tutors. And we will be watching."
Aria's heart sank. It was exactly what she feared. They had already kept her isolated from her peers, but this… this was different. A new kind of prison.
Her father stepped closer, his eyes fierce. "You are no longer a child. You are my daughter. The daughter of the House of Valemir. We have responsibilities, Aria. The kingdom has responsibilities. You will fulfill them—once you've learned to control that power."
"And what if I don't want to be a weapon for your politics?" Aria spat, not caring if her voice broke. "What if I want to live my own life?"
Lady Elira's gaze softened, but only just. "You don't have a choice. The Sealbearers won't stop hunting you. Until you can prove that you won't destroy everything around you, you will stay here—under our roof."
Riven's words echoed in her mind. You'll live longer if you don't fight them. Not yet.
But Aria could feel the fire growing in her chest. The need to break free was overwhelming. To no longer be confined by the rules of this house, this life that was dictated by fear and secrets.
But her parents wouldn't listen. Not yet.
For now, the only escape was the Magic Academy. And that wouldn't come until she was fifteen—three years away. Three years of chains. Three years of isolation.
Her gaze flicked to the window, where the moonlight bathed the land outside, silent and cold. And, despite everything, she knew something.
She would escape. She would break free. She had to.
"Fine," Aria said finally, the anger gone from her voice. "I'll stay here. But don't expect me to be your perfect little doll. I will control my magic. But I won't bow to anyone."
Her parents said nothing in reply. They didn't need to. Their silence spoke louder than any words.