Secret spy

Elsewhere violet stood over Alicia's sleeping form, shaking her gently to wake her. But no matter how much she tried, Alicia wouldn't stir.

Lucian's interference had ensured her slumber was unnaturally deep. With an annoyed sigh, Violet turned her sharp gaze toward the shadowy figure nearby.

"You've gone too far this time," she muttered under her breath.

Lucian smirked, unfazed. He flicked his wrist lazily, and Alicia's body was suddenly lifted into the air, drifting effortlessly toward the shimmering lake nearby. Violet's eyes widened in alarm as Lucian released her from his hold, sending Alicia plummeting into the water with a loud splash.

"Alicia!" Violet's voice was sharp with worry, her glare burning into Lucian. "Do you want to save her or kill her?"

Lucian tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Sometimes, it takes drowning to learn how to breathe."

Before Violet could retort, her form blurred, disappearing from where she stood. She reappeared near the lake's edge, her elegant gown shimmering as it morphed into a sleek swimsuit. The cold water sent a shock up her legs as she waded in, the icy touch making her skin glisten under the sunlight.

Alicia was thrashing weakly, coughing as water filled her lungs. Panic contorted her face as she struggled, her arms flailing in an uncoordinated attempt to swim. Violet cursed under her breath.

"Why did no one teach you how to swim?" she muttered, moving swiftly through the water toward the struggling princess.

Before Violet could reach her, an arm stretched out toward Alicia from another direction. The sudden gesture caught Alicia's attention, and she turned to face the person offering help. Her breath caught in her throat.

The figure was stunning, almost otherworldly. Purple eyes as vast as galaxies stared back at her, their brilliance so captivating that Alicia forgot about the water pulling her under. The woman's beauty was indescribable, her presence both comforting and intimidating.

For a moment, Alicia simply floated, entranced.

"Snap out of it," Violet said dryly, waving her hand in front of Alicia's face to break the spell. "She's not a goddess, just a girl. Take her hand."

But Alicia hesitated, her instincts screaming caution. She shook her head, coughing violently as she tried to swim away, her distrust evident. Violet sighed, watching Alicia struggle further.

"Smart," Violet murmured, a flicker of approval in her eyes. "Trust is earned, not given."

Without another word, Violet dove deeper into the water, grabbed Alicia's arm firmly, and dragged her toward the shore. Alicia kicked and sputtered but eventually gave in, allowing herself to be pulled to safety.

Once on dry land, Alicia collapsed onto the grass, chest heaving as she stared up at the vibrant blue sky. Her lungs burned, and her body ached, but she was alive.

"Are you done playing the damsel in distress?"

The voice startled Alicia, and she turned to find those same purple eyes gazing down at her. The woman stood above her, arms crossed, a smirk dancing on her lips.

Alicia pushed herself up, her hands trembling slightly as she leaned back on her elbows. "Who are you? And why do you keep appearing around me?"

The woman's smirk softened into a knowing smile. "Curious, aren't you? You're wondering who I am, why I'm here, and what I want from you. I'll answer some of your questions but not all. Some truths are better learned in time."

Alicia frowned, frustration bubbling up inside her. "I don't have time for riddles."

The woman chuckled, crouching down to meet Alicia's gaze. "My name is Hana Violet, but you can call me Violet. I'm an ally to all creatures, and I've been tasked with watching over you until your powers awaken. Once that happens, I'll show you what you're truly capable of."

Alicia blinked, her mind struggling to process the information. "Watching over me? Powers? Who gave you the authority to babysit me?" She stood abruptly, brushing the grass off her damp clothes. "I want to see whoever puts you in charge. Now."

Violet's grin widened, her amusement evident. "Feisty, aren't we? I think I'm going to like you." She stood gracefully, brushing her hands together. "Since you're so insistent, I'll take you to the one who assigned me this task. But don't be surprised by what happens next."

Before Alicia could respond, Violet grabbed her arm. With her free hand, she began tracing intricate symbols into the air. The faint glow of purple and pink light shimmered as the sigil came to life, its delicate design mesmerizing.

"What are you?" Alicia's words were cut off as Violet pressed her hand against the glowing sigil.

"Now comes the fun part," Violet said with a mischievous smirk. She closed her eyes, and in an instant, the world around them dissolved into a blur of colors.

★★★

Jake hesitated, his irritation flickering briefly before he masked it with a concerned expression. He nodded curtly and left the room, his steps deliberate as he made his way to find Selina.

On the balcony, Selina gripped the railing tightly, the cool breeze brushing against her face, doing little to quell the tempest within. Her knuckles turned white as she tried to steady her breathing. The fresh air filled her lungs, but instead of calming her, it only sharpened her focus on Alicia's words. Each sentence replayed in her mind, a dagger twisting deeper into her heart.

Her thoughts were a storm anger clashed with guilt, pain tangled with regret. Alicia had been suffering, and she had been blind to it.

"Selina."

Jake's voice cut through the chaos. She spun around sharply, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and anguish.

"What do you want?" she snapped, her voice cracking despite her best effort to sound composed.

Jake stepped forward cautiously, his hands raised as if approaching a wild animal. "I wanted to check on you. You left so suddenly."

Selina let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Suddenly? Jake, stop pretending with me. You can fool everyone else, but not me."

Jake's lips curved into a smirk, a glint of something dark flashing in his eyes. "Ah, there it is. That fire. It's what sets you apart, Selina." He moved closer, his tone shifting into something cold yet teasing. "Yes, you're right. I play games, and Alicia was easy prey. She let her heart guide her, making it simple to pull the strings. A little sweetness, a little charm, and she gave me everything I wanted."

He circled her slowly, his words laced with a dangerous calm. "But you?" He stopped in front of her, leaning in slightly as if studying her face. "You're not so simple, are you?"

Selina's blood boiled at his words, her mind racing with ways to wipe that smug expression off his face. She flinched slightly when he raised his hand, reaching to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. She stepped back sharply, her eyes narrowing.

Jake paused, his hand still in midair. A low chuckle escaped his lips as he dropped it. "Touchy, aren't we?" he murmured, his smirk widening. "You're even more intriguing when you're angry."

Selina's mind burned with thoughts of revenge. This manipulative, heartless man had toyed with her sister, broken her heart, and left her in pieces. She wanted to lash out, to expose him for what he was. But she knew she needed to be patient. A predator is best caught when it's unaware of the trap.

For now, she decided she would play his game.