The Broken Oracle

The prince asked, his voice low but laced with mystery, "Have you ever heard of prophecies?"

Layla, unsettled by the sudden question, hesitated before replying, "Yes, but I've never seen anything like that around me."

He studied her for a moment, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "And you… your case is fascinating," he said, his eyes gleaming as if he had just uncovered something incredible.

Layla, caught off guard, wasn't sure whether his words were a compliment or a subtle mockery. But what unnerved her even more was the shroud of mystery surrounding the prince and his carefully chosen words. He continued, his voice almost inaudible:

"The heart of three beats…"

Then, as if realizing he had said too much, he abruptly changed course, his tone shifting with slight unease.

"The arrival of the alchemist."

A shiver ran down Layla's spine. She understood then that this prophecy was not just a passing legend. It was tied to something far greater something beyond her comprehension, yet somehow connected to her.

She tried to mask her unease, but her heart pounded wildly in her chest. "The alchemist?" she asked, her voice nearly trembling.

The prince didn't answer right away, but his gaze grew sharper. Then he simply said, "That's enough for today. The queen must be pleased with your presence."

He stood, leaving behind an air of lingering mystery. Though Layla was brimming with questions, she rose as well, following him in silence, more perplexed than ever.

As they reached the door, the prince suddenly halted and turned toward her. With a swift motion, he grasped her arm, pulling her closer. His eyes burned with an intensity that sent a ripple of unease through her.

"Will you save me, too?" he asked, his voice low, as if the question had slipped from his lips before he could stop it.

Layla felt a storm of emotions swirl within her, but she remained silent. How could she possibly answer such a question? She was just a healer what did she have to do with the fate of this man and the prophecy that seemed to haunt him?

He held her gaze for a moment before releasing her arm, an intrigued smile curving his lips. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.

Layla stood there, frozen, lost in thought, her heart weighed down by uncertainty.

I'm truly in a strange situation, she thought, following the prince, more confused than ever.

As the prince left her standing in the middle of the corridor, he simply said, "A servant will take you to your room."

Layla, confused and slightly disoriented, didn't quite understand what he meant. Before she could ask any questions, a servant appeared and motioned for her to follow.

She was led to a grand chamber. The moment Layla stepped inside, she was struck by the sheer size and beauty of the room. She had never seen such a spacious place in this palace. It was far larger than the laboratory where she usually spent her time. She found herself wondering if such a place could truly exist in this world.

A faint smile played on her lips as an unexpected sense of comfort settled over her. But as she took in her surroundings, she remained unaware that the prince was silently watching her from a distance. His gaze held an amused glint as he observed her quiet wonder, but he chose not to intervene.

Finally, in a voice both teasing and challenging, he murmured, "So, show me your dance."

Then, shaking his head slightly, he turned and left the room his words unheard, his presence unnoticed.

Layla, lost in her thoughts, had no idea that the prince had been watching her. She allowed herself to be swept away by the emotions stirred by the room's atmosphere, still unsettled by the strange tension of their last exchange.

I'm Leaving

As Layla returned to her room, her mind spun with everything that had happened since her arrival in Narcéa.

Then she didn't think.

Her body moved before her mind could make a decision.

She rushed out of her room, nearly colliding with a servant in her haste.

— "Miss Layla! Where are you going?" cried the siren's voice behind her.

But she didn't listen. Her heart was pounding too hard.

She arrived at the prince's chambers. Without hesitation, she shoved the door open and stepped inside.

The room was vast, bathed in the soft glow of lanterns.

Oris stood near the balcony, his back turned to her.

He didn't move when she barged in.

Layla shut the door behind her with a sharp motion.

She had to speak. She had to understand.

— "I'm leaving."

No reaction.

She took a few steps forward.

— "I am far more useful at the public hospital. Why tear me away from my life just to throw me into this game where I don't even know the rules?!"

Still nothing.

— "You're just like Xadran," she snapped, harsher than she had intended.

Oris turned slowly.

Their eyes met.

He wasn't angry. He wasn't hurt.

Just… unreadable.

— "Very well."

The words fell, sharp and final.

Layla blinked, caught off guard.

— "You will leave," he continued in a calm voice. "But not to the public hospital. You will return home."

Silence.

Her chest tightened.

He turned his head slightly and gestured to a servant.

— "Take her to her room. We leave tomorrow."

Layla didn't move.

He walked away, placing a hand on the balcony railing.

He wasn't looking at her anymore.

She should have felt relieved.

But she didn't.