The day after the party, Elara seized the opportunity to explore their family library, despite her mother's suggestion for a garden stroll. Ignoring her mother's protests, Elara insisted she had something to find in the library and promised to return.

  "I admire your curiosity, Elara... But once you find what you seek, be sure to visit me," her mother, Marie, sighed as she descended the stairs to their garden.

  Remembering her mother's words, Elara smiled as she pushed against the heavy library door. It creaked open with a weighty sigh, revealing towering bookshelves enveloped in the subtle scent of aging paper.

  The room unfolded before her, bathed in the warm glow of antique chandeliers suspended from a ceiling adorned with intricate moldings. Sunlight filtered through draped velvet curtains, casting a gentle radiance upon the rows of leather-bound volumes that lined the shelves.

  Elara ventured further, and the library was silent except for the occasional soft brush of her slippers against the carpet sprawled across the oak floor.

  With purposeful steps, she made her way to a secluded part in the far back of the library—a haven for books steeped in magic. Deliberately, she had instructed the maids to tuck away these mystical books, ensuring an undisturbed sanctuary for her readings.

  Elara then settled on her usual couch and grabbed a book from the windowsill entitled, "The Secrets of Pyro Magic," a book focusing on pyro magic. As she opened it and scanned through the chapters:

  …Pyro magic, often referred to as Pyromancy, is a form of magical practice that involves the manipulation and control of fire. Practitioners of fire magic, known as pyromancers, have the ability to generate, control, and extinguish flames using mystical or supernatural means.

  The most commonly seen practice among pyromancers recorded in history is the creation of fire without the need for a physical source. This can range from small flames to large, intense infernos. While some pyromancers may be resistant to a certain degree of heat, it is rare to witness one skilled enough to shape fire into solid forms, creating weapons, shields, or other constructs made entirely of flames…

  Elara reread this part several times, realizing it did not mention the manipulation of making lights glow. She flipped through the pages, searching for answers.

  …Individuals bestowed with pyro magic were once ordinary human beings. They recount that their ability to control fire manifested after dreaming of a misty crimson orb, hovering in a dark abyss and inviting them to draw near...

  Her eyebrows scrunched up in wonder. The orb she encountered was indeed misty, but it lacked a distinct color that would indicate the magical element she might possess.

  “I would have accepted that I don’t have magic if only Prince Sebastian hadn’t seen orbs rising from the ground around me or the glowing lamps and fireplace after waking up from a dream,” she muttered as she turned another page.

  Elara's eyes widened as she read further, remembering her dream. She briskly walked to a pile of books in a left-side corner, where a book about dreams lay on top. As she scanned through the pages:

  …In the hushed ambiance of afternoon tea, Anne von Braun, the Countess of Forfox, unveiled a haunting dream to her gathering friends. Her dream unfolded of a burning house, smokes choked on people around her. She interpreted as an omen of new beginnings and prosperity. Yet, the air thickened with whispers at the table, insinuating a more sinister narrative. Gossips circulated that her dream was not one of foresight but a catastrophic manifestation of her suppressed emotions—particularly wrath—directed at a certain lady who had stolen her man's heart just a month before their impending wedding. The room pulsated with tension as they believe, that Anne, had crafted a poison to convey her deepest resentments...

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  Elara skipped through the details and stumbled upon an ominous message:

  …Furthermore, a troubling dream featuring burning houses serves as a clear warning. It suggests that certain decisions made by the dreamer could lead to significant harm or even death. The vivid imagery of the flames in the dream paints a stark picture of potential consequences and the need for caution.

  Reading it repeatedly, she felt cold sweat forming on her forehead, her hands shaking a little. Elara stood still for a moment, clutching the book.

  "Will I face doom if I make mistakes with my decisions in the future?"

  "Dreams might have turned into reality for others... I hope mine remains just a dream."

  "Just a dream... a haunting nightmare..."

  Elara took long, deep breaths, slowing her pounding heart.

  “Lady Elara?” A voice called out from behind. The unexpected sound made the book fall with a loud thud.

  “Yes, Amelia! I’m at the back!” she hollered, bending to pick up the book and dust it off. Muffled footsteps approached.

  “Lady, your lunch is ready,” Elara turned to smile at her maid.

  “Yes, I was just about to head out.” She placed the book back on top of the pile.

  Amelia nodded, “and Duchess is waiting for you.”

  “Ah, great.” She walked past Amelia and exited the library.

  ***

  Later that evening, Elara settled down on the couch beside her balcony. A breeze played with the soft strands of her hair, and she hummed a tune from yesterday’s tea party. Concentrating on her crochet, she felt relieved that she had calmed down after lunch.

  Her mother’s company was delightful, aside from inquiring about her whereabouts during the party and suspecting her closeness with the prince.

  "I wouldn't label us as friends."

  "We only met yesterday, and besides, he's a prince!"

  Her eyebrows furrowed even more as she felt her heart pound, recalling the penetrating gaze of Prince Sebastian—calculative yet warm. It was the first time she had encountered the infamous prince and engaged in conversation with him!

  A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts about Prince Sebastian’s eyes.

  “Come in, Amelia.” She quickly refocused herself on her crochet, the hook clinking against each other.

  “My lady, a letter has arrived.” Amelia approached where Elara sat and held out an envelope.

  Elara’s eyes widened at the recognition of the red royal seal—a delicate design of a crown with roses around it. She placed her crochet on her lap and took the envelope from Amelia.

  Amelia then bowed and left the room, giving Elara her privacy. Elara stood up and went to her desk.

  ‘Speak of the devil, this must be his invitation.’

  She opened it with a letter opener and pulled out the letter, her heart beating with anticipation.