Destiny: Chosen For Battle

I woke up at 5:00 AM feeling much better than I did yesterday. I stood up from my bed and walked to the bathroom. Picking up my toothbrush, I brushed my teeth, and afterward, I checked the wound on my face.

A plaster covered my forehead, and my right eye was bruised black.

"Was the fight really that bad?" I wondered aloud. I could only recall glimpses of it, especially the moment when Miranda almost killed me. One thing was certain—the fight had been a hard one.

When I was done brushing, I lay in the bathtub for a while before resuming my bath. Once finished, I walked back to my room to pick out a nice outfit.

I decided I didn't want Flora to handle my chores today. I needed time for myself. Almost as if summoned, Flora walked in.

"My lady," she greeted with a bow. "I'll prepare your bath now. I'm sorry for taking so long."

"Do not worry yourself, Flora," I said with a smile. "I've already taken care of it."

She frowned, clearly disappointed. "My lady, please forgive my lateness. It won't happen again," she said, bowing her head.

"It's not your fault. I wanted to do it myself," I replied, motioning for her to leave.

She bowed again without another word and left the room.

"I wonder how Kelvin and Lex are doing," I mumbled to myself as I dressed in tight black leather trousers, boots, and a white T-shirt.

I walked out of my room and headed to my dad's suite to inform him I was feeling better and ready to return to the academy. I didn't want to delay anyone's time, least of all my own.

Entering his chamber, I saw him seated at his desk, writing. He looked up at me and smiled as I approached.

"How are you doing, Destiny?" he asked, relaxing into his chair. "I know you're here to ask permission to leave and continue your mission, right?"

"Yes, Father," I smiled.

He gave me a long look before responding. "I'll only let you go tomorrow because you're not fully recovered yet. And I don't know when you'll be back," he said with a sad smile.

"It's all about life and death. Please be careful out there."

"I will, Father," I assured him.

"You had a visitor last night, but you were asleep. He didn't want to wake you," Dad said. "I think his name was Kelvin—the young man you danced with on your birthday. He's in the guestroom."

I rushed to the guestroom but found it empty. Hearing the sound of water splashing, I realized Kelvin was taking a bath. I waited on his bed, fiddling with my fingers.

When the bathroom door opened, Kelvin stepped out, surprised to see me.

"Oh, Destiny," he smiled as he approached. "How have you been?" he asked, patting his hair dry with a towel.

"I'm okay," I mumbled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

"I was just about to visit your room after my bath, but here you are," he chuckled, motioning toward me.

"I missed you," he winked, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, I missed you too," I winked back.

"Are you coming with us to the Underworld?" I asked, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Yes, and so is June," he said, pulling on a black shirt.

"Thanks for checking up on me," I added shyly.

"It's nothing," he replied with a smile.

"We can go together, you know," I offered.

"Sure, no problem," he agreed after a moment.

"Home is boring. So, what are we going to do?" I asked with a playful wink.

Kelvin laughed. "Good question. Maybe you should take a nap or something. You wouldn't even notice the time passing," he teased.

"Whatever," I grumbled and left the room while he kept laughing.

As I returned to my room, a knock came at the door. Before I could answer, Kelvin barged in, smiling sheepishly.

"Did I tell you to come in?" I asked, annoyed.

"Whatever," he snorted, flopping onto my bed.

"Do you want to go out with me, or would you rather stay in your boring room?" he asked, glancing at me.

"Yeah, I'd love to go out," I said with a pout.

"I was hoping you'd say no," he joked, laughing when I frowned.

"Really?" I asked, offended.

"Alright, let's go," he said, standing up.

We walked outside the castle, hoodies shielding us as we strolled through the nearby village. The morning breeze was refreshing, and I sighed contentedly.

"I'm scared," Kelvin admitted, staring at the ground.

"Scared of what?" I asked as we stopped near a tree.

"Of everything—the outside world, the demons—just everything," he confessed.

I took his hands in mine and rubbed them gently. "We all are," I said softly, watching a leaf drift down to the ground. "But we'll get through this together."

He smiled at me. "Thanks, Destiny. You're a really good friend."

"That's what friends are for," I replied, releasing his hands.

"So, we're leaving tomorrow, huh? I'm kind of nervous," I chuckled nervously.

"Says the girl who fought a mighty snake," Kelvin teased.

"Kelvin… I don't even remember how I fought it," I admitted with a frown.

"Please don't ever do that again," he said firmly.

"Do what?" I asked, confused.

"Don't ever pass out like that again," he said with a stern look.

I hesitated, unsure if I could make that promise, but I nodded. "Umm… I promise."

Kelvin smiled, lifted my chin, and leaned in. My breath hitched, thinking he was about to kiss me. Instead, he gave me a gentle peck on the cheek.