Short Chapter today~ decided to put at least half the chapter out since you've all been waiting.

Also chapter dedicated to our newest reader discotheque- <3

CHAPTER TWENTY | AMARA

I lay in bed, enjoying nothing but the quiet and peace. Something that I've been starved of in the past weeks.

I was able to wake up on my own accord and take my time in getting ready. Since I had the time, I've pulled my hair into a low braid— I don't remember when was the last time since I wore makeup.

When will they give me my belongings? Or allow me to see my studio?

The morning has been oddly quiet, I anticipate a late breakfast to approach but the agenda for the day is unbeknownst to me. Ever since Jace arrived, and from what the Elder had mentioned... I wonder what they have in store for us. A sense of dread fills me at the thought.

A soft knock resounds from the door. My head pops up from the bed at the sound.
Hyacinth, with her usual bounce of golden curls peeks her head through the crack that she had opened slightly.

"Miss Amara, are you decent?" She inquires.

"I am. You're a little later than usual." I comment, jokingly.

She half smiles at this, with a sheepish look. "I know, I hope you weren't starving in wait. Let me bring you to breakfast." She cracks the door open widen and motions for me to exit, to which I gladly follow.

"Do you know anything about the agenda today?" I ask, the curiosity dripping from my tone.

She pauses at the question, as if she were taking a moment to decipher an answer.

"I do, and you'll be in good hands. The Elder wants to see you two today."

My heart drops at this. Although I can't say that I'm surprised, hearing her allude to Jace still brings back yesterday's rush of emotions.

+

Breakfast breezed by, I felt like a robot going through the motions since I was too busy being absorbed by my overthinking.

Afterwards, Hyacinth had lead us outside to my surprise- into the forest.

"Where are we going?"

"I was informed to bring you to the lake. This is where the Elder is wanting to meet with you."

The breeze picks up, and sways the few strands that were able to escape my braid by my cheeks. As if it were beckoning us to move forward with more urgency. The air is thick with the smell of the damp earth and decaying leaves that surrounded the forest floor.

The trees here are massive, reddish-brown barks and a straight trunk that flares out at the base. I crane my neck to look up to the top of the trees to see it's vibrant green leaves swaying with the wind. It's so beautiful here.

"Please stay close behind me." Hyacinth's voice pulls me out of the trance.

"Right, sorry." I hurry to follow in her step, to which she smiles nonchalantly.

The gentle sound of waves crashing becomes more apparent with each step until our feet met the crunch of pebbled rocks.

"About time that you joined us."

"Elder Vittoria." Hyacinth takes an immediate bow in her direction, to which I quickly follow. Although, unsure if I'm doing it correctly.

"Thank you Hyacinth for bringing Amara."

"It is my duty." She responds, with a light nod. "I will take my leave"

Once Hyacinth left, The Elder's gaze falls onto mine. A light steely pair of eyes on a weathered face. Her presence feels like an oasis of peace. 

"How are you feeling, child?"

"Fine," Is all that I could think to say but the sentence feels empty. "I feel okay." I add.

She only nods, looking at the forest line that I've came from. Three figures emerge from the trees. 

I make out Jace's figure amongst the guards on each side of him. A linen shirt hangs loosely on his broad shoulders, His hands are clasped before him with the same chains binding him. 

"Elder," The guards acknowledge with a bow once they approach closer. 

"Unchain him."

They raise a brow at this, "He's--,"

"I know what he is. You may unchain him then leave." She advises swiftly. 

Although reluctant,  one of the guard's with the key reaches for the chains and undoes the clasp. It falls to the gravel with a metallic thud. They take it with them then leave.

"And you- cursed one. How are you?"

My brow furrows in confusion, undoubtedly lines are etching across my forehead like a map of uncertainty. 

Cursed?

Jace flinches at this, but meets her gaze. "I have seen better days." He mutters. 

She nods, with a small smile. The most expression I've seen on her to date. 

"And you will see even better ones,

If you both survive this."

CHAPTER END

What do you think she means by cursed? 

What will the ritual entail?