CHAPTER TWO
RYDER'S POV
Ryder stormed into his bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him. He walked to the wall, placed his hand on a small, intricately carved stone, and pressed it. The wall slid open, revealing a secret passage. He stepped inside, and the wall closed behind him.
As he walked through the passage, the air around him began to shimmer. He emerged into a world unlike any other. The sky was a deep shade of purple, and the air was filled with magical energy. Flying creatures, like dragons and winged horses, soared through the skies. Fireballs shot through the air, leaving trails of sparks behind them. Magical creatures, like faeries and sprites, flitted about, playing in the gardens.
Ryder walked through the streets, marveling at the wonders of Aethoria. The buildings were made of crystal and shimmering silver, and the streets were paved with glittering gemstones. The castle loomed in the distance, its towers reaching for the sky.
As he approached the castle, guards stepped forward, their eyes fixed on Ryder. "Prince Ryder, welcome back," one of them said, bowing low. "Your father awaits you."
The guards escorted Ryder through the castle's grand halls, lined with tapestries depicting the history of Aethoria. The walls were adorned with glittering jewels and precious metals, and the floors were made of polished marble.
They reached the throne room, where Ryder's father, the king, sat on his throne. "Ryder, my son," the king said, his voice firm but controlled. "I see you're back. How was your time in the human realm?"
"Boring," Ryder said. "Humans are weak and their world is dull. No magic."
The king's expression turned stern. "You're there to help us, Ryder. We need human blood to sustain the Wanishi. They're ancient creatures that keep our realm alive."
Ryder raised an eyebrow. "And I have to find someone to give their blood willingly?"
The king nodded. "You're a prince, Ryder. It's your duty."
Ryder's anger flared, and he stormed out of the throne room. He walked to his mother's memorial, a garden filled with glowing flowers.
"Why did you leave me, Mother?" he whispered. "You would never have used me like this."
Ryder remembered his mother's stories about humans. How they had killed her and drained her magic.
A plan formed in his mind. He would find someone to give their blood willingly, but it wouldn't be because he forced them. Maybe…
Ryder thought of Eliana, the girl he had met in the music room. He had felt a spark of curiosity about her.
Perhaps she might be the one.
Ryder's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see one of the castle's servants, a kind old man who had known him since childhood. "Prince Ryder, I'm sorry about your time in the human realm," the servant said. "But I'm sure you'll find a way to make the best of it."
Ryder smiled wryly. "I'll try, old friend," he said. "But I'm not sure I'm cut out for this whole 'prince' thing."
The servant chuckled. "You're a natural, Prince Ryder. You just need to find your way."
Ryder nodded, feeling a sense of determination. He would find a way to complete his task, no matter what it took. It was his responsibility and only his after all.
Ryder was in the library, surrounded by ancient tomes and dusty scrolls. He was researching ways to complete his mission without harming anyone. Suddenly, a servant appeared beside him. "Prince Ryder, you have a visitor," the servant said, bowing low.
Ryder's heart sank. Who could it be? He hadn't been expecting anyone. "Who is it?" he asked, trying to sound calm.
"It's Princess Amber, Your Highness," the servant replied. "She's waiting for you in the garden."
Ryder's expression softened. Amber was different. She was kind and gentle, with a smile that could light up the darkest room. He made his way to the garden, his heart beating faster with anticipation.
As he entered the garden, he saw Amber standing by the fountain, her long hair cascading down her back like a river of gold. She turned to him, a look of concern on her face. "Ryder, you've been in the human realm again, haven't you?" she said, her voice stern but playful.
Ryder smiled, feeling a little guilty. "Maybe," he said, trying to brush it off. "I have a mission, Amber. It's complicated."
Amber raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? You're always going on about some mission or other. But you never have time for us. For me."
Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, and he could see the hurt and frustration there. He knew he had been neglecting her lately, and it wasn't fair. He used his telekinetic powers to draw a chair out from beneath a nearby tree, and gestured for her to sit down.
Amber sat, her eyes never leaving his face. "Explain," she said, her voice firm but curious.
Ryder took a deep breath and told her everything – about the Wanishi, the human blood, and his plan to find someone to give their blood willingly. Amber listened, her expression growing more and more concerned.
"It's not my fault," Ryder said, feeling defensive. "I'm just trying to do what's best for everyone."
Amber sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Every time you're going on a mission, it's always something, Ryder. You're always putting yourself in danger, and you never have time for us. For me."
Ryder felt a pang of guilt and regret. He knew he had been neglecting Amber, and it wasn't fair to her. He got down on one knee beside her, taking her hand in his. "I'm sorry, my love," he said, looking up at her. "Please forgive me."
Amber's expression softened, and she smiled weakly. "I'll forgive you, but you have to make it up to me."
Ryder grinned, feeling a surge of hope. "Anything," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. "What do you want me to do?"
Amber's smile grew wider. "I want you to make me a cake," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "With magic."
Ryder laughed, feeling a sense of joy he hadn't felt in a long time. "Okay," he said, grinning. "But you have to help me."
Together, they used their magic to create a beautiful cake, with frosting that sparkled like diamonds and candles that shone like stars. They laughed and joked, their magic swirling around each other, and for a moment, Ryder forgot about his mission and his responsibilities. All that mattered was the girl in front of him, and the magic they shared.
As they sat down to eat the cake, Ryder realized that he didn't want to be apart from Amber anymore. He wanted to be with her, to explore the world together, to laugh and love and live. He turned to her, his heart full of emotion. "Amber," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be without you anymore. I want to be with you, always."
Amber's eyes locked onto his, and he could see the love shining there. "I want that too, Ryder," she said, her voice soft and gentle. "I love you."
Ryder's heart soared, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "I love you too, Amber," he said, his voice full of emotion. "I'll never let you go."
As the sun set over the garden, Ryder and Amber sat together, holding hands, and watching the stars twinkle to life in the night sky. They knew that their love would conquer all, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Ryder woke up to the warm sun shining on his face, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He stretched his Arms, feeling a sense of happiness wash over him. But as he sat up, memories of his mission flooded back, and his smile faltered. He had to go back to the human realm, to find someone to willingly give their blood to sustain the Wanishi.
He got out of bed, his movements mechanical, and made his way to the bathroom. As he freshened up, he couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had settled in his stomach. He didn't want to go back to the human realm, not now, not when he had finally found happiness with Amber.
But duty called, and Ryder knew he had to answer. He placed his hand on the enchanted stone that transported him to the human world. The familiar sensation of magic washed over him, and he felt himself being pulled apart and put back together again.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the hallway of Springdale High School. He made his way to his locker, and as he changed his books, he couldn't help but notice the admiring glances from the girls around him. Ryder smiled wryly, used to the attention. After all, he was a prince, and his royal bloodline seemed to radiate an otherworldly charm.
But what caught his attention was not the girls' admiring glances, but the ability to hear their thoughts. He could sense their desires, their fears, and their dreams. It was overwhelming, but also fascinating.
As he walked to his next class, he spotted Eliana standing with her friends. Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a spark of interest. He had met her before, in the music room, and he had been drawn to her then. Now, he couldn't seem to look away.
He tuned in to her thoughts, curious about what she was thinking. She was worried about an upcoming test, and she was trying to convince her friends to study together. Ryder's eyes never left hers, and he smiled, feeling a sense of connection.
And then, a thought occurred to him. Maybe, just maybe, Eliana could be the one he was looking for. Maybe she would be willing to make a sacrifice for him, for the Wanishi. Ryder's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He would have to get to know her better, to see if she was the one.
With newfound interest, Ryder made his way to his next class, his eyes locked onto Eliana's back. He couldn't wait to see her again, to talk to her, to find out if she was the one who would change everything.