Princess Of The Skulls - Chapter 43: Chapter 43

The weight of Dorian's offer hung in the air like incense smoke. Around us, the cathedral bore witness to the destruction we'd already wrought—shattered stone, scattered bones, the lingering echo of powers that shouldn't exist. And somewhere in the distance, the sound of Lord Cassius's approaching army grew ever closer.
Through our soul-bond, I could feel Aldric's thoughts racing. He understood the implications as clearly as
I did. If Dorian was telling the truth about the centuries-long conspiracy, then everything we thought we knew about our kingdoms, our bloodlines, our very existence was a lie.
"How long?" I asked quietly. "How long have you been planning this?"
"Since before you were born," Dorian replied without hesitation. "Your grandfather was resistant to our guidance. He preferred crude displays of necromantic power to the subtle arts we wished to teach. But you, Seraphina, you have always been different. More malleable. More willing to push boundaries."
The casual way he spoke of my family, of manipulating my entire life, made rage burn in my chest. But I forced myself to remain calm. Information was power, and right now I needed every advantage I could get.
"Who is 'we'?" Kael asked, his voice deadly quiet. I'd seen that tone before—it meant he was preparing to kill someone.
Dorian's smile widened. "An organization far older than either kingdom. We've guided humans development for millennia, ensuring that magical bloodlines remain strong, that power flows to those capable of wielding it responsibly."
"Responsibly?" I couldn't keep the incredulity from my voice. "You call manipulating people's entire lives responsible?"
"Individual suffering is insignificant compared to the greater good," he replied coldly. "The world faces threats you cannot imagine, child. Ancient evils that make tonight's dragon seem like a house cat. When those threats emerge, humanity will need champions capable of standing against them."
"And you decided I should be one of those champions?"
"We decided you should be the greatest of them." His eyes gleamed with fanatical fervor. "The Princess of
Skulls, commanded by the dead, wielders of powers that could shake the foundations of reality itself. But only if you accept proper training. Only if you embrace your destiny."
The sound of marching feet was much closer now. Through the ruined doors, I could see the flicker of torchlight. Lord Cassius's forces would be here within minutes.
"I need proof," I said finally. "If what you're saying is true, show me evidence."
Dorian reached into his robes and withdrew a small crystal vial filled with swirling silver mist. "The memories of your predecessors. Every Princess of Skulls who came before you, stretching back through the centuries. Drink this, and you'll see the truth of what I'm telling you."
I stared at the vial, feeling the pull of desperate curiosity warring with instinctive caution. The silver mist moved like living smoke, beautiful and terrifying in equal measure.
"Don't," Aldric said through our bond. "It could be poison, or a control spell, or—"
"Or it could be exactly what he says it is," I replied silently. "The only way to know the truth about what we're facing."
Kael stepped closer, his hand on my shoulder. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. But decide quickly."
The torches were at the cathedral entrance now. I could hear Lord Cassius's voice shouting orders, organizing his forces for a final assault. In moments, we'd be fighting for our lives again.
I took the vial from Dorian's outstretched hand. The crystal was warm to the touch, and the silver mist inside seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat.
"If this is a trick—" I began.
"Then you'll have the satisfaction of killing me with powers I helped create," Dorian finished. "But it's not a trick, child. It's an inheritance that's rightfully yours."
I uncorked the vial and drank the contents in one swift motion.
The effect was immediate and overwhelming. A thousand lifetimes of memory crashed into my consciousness like a tsunami of silver light. I saw princess after princess, each bearing the title of Skull
Speaker, each wielding powers that grew stronger with every generation. I saw the secret wars they'd fought, the threats they'd faced, the prices they'd paid for their abilities.
And I saw the truth behind Dorian's words.