7 "Dreams" - Pt 2

[[ NOTE: I'm slowly editing through this story. In case you come across something that has change, that is why. :) Depending on the direction, the story line in previous chapters may change some, as well! ]]

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The party was bustling with chatter and laughter echoed through the ballroom. Raina stood beside Cyrus and his friends, laughing at the stories they told from their childhood. Especially ones of Cyrus, which she quite enjoyed seeing him blush and fool around with his friends. "Cy, have you told Lady Rosalie that time you were chased by the demon-possessed boar deep in the forest?" Cyrus gave his friend a pointed look, then glanced over to Raina with embarrassment. Raina covered her mouth, hiding a smile. "We agreed that was not to be mentioned," Cyrus stated with narrowed eyes. "Ever." Before long, Raina found herself surrounded by love and happiness emitting from each guest. She was almost lost in the moment—in Rosalie's memories.

Raina constantly reminded herself, this isn't her life. It was another woman's life, she was experiencing, herself. However, it did feel familiar—like the times she had with her friends back home. A nagging feeling continued to cloud her brain about everything that is going on. Did something bad happen to Rosalie or possibly Cyrus? Lost in her thought, Raina didn't realize her name being called. Cyrus gently caressed her arm, bringing her back from her thoughts. Her cheeks stained pink from embarrassment. The guys simply laughed as it was no big deal.

A commotion began to fill the room, gaining every guests' attention. The head guard in charge of the party security stalked toward Cyrus with a grim expression. "My Lady," the man addressed Raina to which she nodded in return then he turned his gaze toward Cyrus. "My Lord. There seemed to be a breach in the Enchanted Barrier," he explained. Raina watched Cyrus's expression changed from shocked to seriousness.

"What's the matter?" Raina asked worriedly, her voice trembled slightly. She wasn't sure what all of this could mean. Obviously, something broke through the barrier—which means it was a serious threat. Only the Enchantress, Rosalie, and the Royal family had the ability to pass through the barriers. Raina gasped, her mind running a hundred miles per second. Could there a traitor within the castle grounds?

Cyrus faced Raina, caressing her face gently, as he had sensed she felt troubled by the news. "Rosalie," he said softly. Raina felt her chest tighten, since she's been with him, he never once used Rosie's full name. He had always addressed her by her nickname. "Take the others and go into the Sacred Chambers. Nothing should be able to break into that room," she looked at him, even more confused. "Guards, please escort the others along with the Enchantress!" Before Raina could say anything more, she was being shuffled by her maid and one of the guards.

"My lady, we must go!" Raina reached out for Cyrus, feeling helpless. "I'll be back soon, Rosie," he assured her, his expression softening. Raina felt her eyes began to brim with tears, blinking them away, she yelled his name, "Cyrus!" He turned to look at her with those sparkling ice-blue eyes, those eyes that held so much love for her. Raina felt her chest ache, uncertain if that would be the last she's seen of him.

"Lord Cyrus, is one of the best soldier of Astoria Kingdom. Whatever it may be, he and the rest of the Sacred Knights, shall take care of it," said one of the Lords. Raina kept her eyes focused on the door, hoping he would barge through with a smile on his face. She grimaced as her chest continued to tighten. Something didn't feel right. Raina walked toward the doors, freezing on the spot when it suddenly opened. A wounded guard entered reaching out to her before collapsing onto the ground. "We need healers!" A guard shouted.

Raina was shocked, seeing a wounded person with blood everywhere. Mentally shaking her head, she rushed over to the guard and knelt down, laying his head down on her lap. "My Lady!" A guard tried to stop her, which she ignored. Without wasting another second, her hands hovered over his chest and she closed her eyes. Without hesitation, it seem her mind and body knew, exactly, what to do. Like she's done this before. A light emitted from her hands and the soldiers chest began to glow.

He soon regained consciousness and looked at her with gratitude. "Lady Rosalie," the guard said weakly. "We were a-ambushed. Lord Cyrus," he breathed out then collapsed once more. Raina suddenly felt her breathing become shallow. The room seem to shrink, caging her in. Did something happen to Cyrus? The guards and maidens rushed beside them, gently taking her aside to tend to the soldier. "He's stable, just exhausted. Please make sure a healer attends to him," Raina stated weakly, a feeling of uneasiness sat heavily in her chest. Clutching at her chest she looked at her maid and the other guards.

"I'm going out there to find Cyrus," Raina stated with authority, when her mind was made up, nothing or no one can stop her. "My lady! It's too dangerous," the maid looked at Raina with worry, tears running down her cheeks. Raina caressed the woman's face with a gentle smile. "I am the Enchantress of Astoria, the protector of this kingdom bestowed upon by the Gods," everyone looked at her with hope…and worry, as well.

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Raina walked through the dark halls, quietly, following a faint feeling in her chest. She didn't know how to explain it but it's like she can feel his presence within the castle. "Cyrus," she whispered, hoping he knew she was coming for him. Raina reached the throne room, the feeling in her chest growing stronger. She opened the door cautiously, feeling out the area before entering. Raina didn't seem to sense any other presence in the room, but she felt Cyrus's presence, slightly.

Raina's eyes fixated on the body lying on the floor by the throne, her heart began to race, pounding painfully in her chest. Raina ran across the room toward Cyrus. A sob escaped through her lips, her heart sinking at the sight of her beloved. "Cyrus!" She cried out, tears ran down her face. "Wake up!" Raina cried out desperately, shaking him slightly. She placed her hand on his chest and tried to heal him, but he hasn't woken up and his wounds wasn't healing. "What is going on?" Raina wondered, growing frustrated at herself. A sound echoed through the room, causing her to jump with fright.

"Who's there?" Raina rose onto her feet, standing in front of Cyrus to protect him. "Show yourself!" She demanded, shouting in the empty room. Laughter began to fill the room, the echoing sound began to get louder and louder. Suddenly, a cloud of smoke swirled from the ceiling and a woman appeared, in the middle of the room, with a malicious grin on her face. "Esther," Raina gasped, covering her mouth and her eyes wide. "Ah, such a wonderful reunion. Isn't that right, sister," Esther stated. She spoke with such hostility in her voice towards the woman, whose to blame for robbing her of a future she's always dreamed of.

"You have been banished. What are you doing here?" Raina asked calmly, hoping to stall her until she could devise a way, so she and Cyrus could escape. Esther tutted her tongue, folding her arms across her chest. A smile creeping onto her face and hatred embedded in her eyes. How did it come to be this way? Raina wondered. She tried to delve deeper into Rosalie's memories but failed.

"What have you done to Cyrus?" Raina asked her sister, to which she responded with a menacing laugh. Esther began to walk slowly toward them while raising her hands by her side. Soon, black smoke began to appear in the palm of her hands. Raina gasped so she raised her hand, "Stop! I don't want to fight, sister. Stop this right now," Esther laughed even louder, her eyes glowed. Her body began to fly into the air, the cloud of smoke swirling around her. Transforming herself into a demonic dragon, roaring loudly to which the building began to vibrate and rumble.

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