Chapter 3 Air Element

Chapter 3

Jamie/Astrid's POV

What am I supposed to do tomorrow? I'm sure I won't pass since I have no powers. Maybe I should just leave, go live in the mountains, and have a peaceful life.

'Really, Jamie? That's your best idea?'

Ugh! I must be going crazy.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I stopped my train of thought when I heard a soft knock coming from my closed, transparent window. I looked over but didn't see anything except a branch.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I jumped a little when I saw the branch move-it was the one knocking on the window. Maybe it's just the wind. I stared at it closely and noticed something stuck to the branch. Curiosity got the best of me, so I stood up and went to the window. I hesitated for a moment, thinking something might pop out, but eventually, I opened it. What could go wrong, right?

A piece of paper? And a small bottle? What's this?

I grabbed the paper and the small bottle, startled as the branch pulled back. Wow. It returned to its original position. I thought it was just the wind moving it, but I guess not. Maybe someone controlled it? But who? It's not impossible in this world, since magic exists here.

I glanced outside, but there was nothing unusual. It was dark, so I closed the window and walked back to the bed with the paper and the bottle in hand.

I unfolded the paper and read what was written.

"I'm glad to know you're awake. Drink the contents of the bottle I gave you to help your wound heal quickly. Don't worry; it's safe to drink. –N."

That's all it said. I looked at the small bottle and shook it gently.

Should I drink it? A part of me wants to believe that the note is true-that my wound will heal if I drink this. I'm not really worried about poison since, as I mentioned, I'm immune to most toxins. Part of my training involved ingesting poisons because someone once laced my food during a business deal. I really thought I was going to die back then.

What could go wrong? Whatever.

I removed the cap and slowly drank the contents of the bottle. It was a bit bitter, like crushed leaves.

I waited for something to happen, but nothing did. Maybe it's a scam. I'm still alive, and as for my wound...

"Huh?"

I unwrapped the bandage around my stomach and was shocked by what I saw. The wound was gone, not even a scar remained.

I know this is a magical world, but I'm still amazed that my wound vanished just like that. It was throbbing earlier, and now not even a trace is left.

Magic, huh?...

It's already midnight, and I still can't sleep. I've been tossing and turning in bed, only ending up with wrinkled sheets. I already ate half of the cake, and I'm full, so now I'm out of things to do.

I suddenly remembered something and got up, putting on my slippers. I quietly left the room and walked down the long hallway. Luckily, I didn't get lost, thanks to Astrid's memories.

I moved like a ninja, avoiding the Royal Guards patrolling the area. After a few minutes, I finally reached my destination.

I was greeted by a fresh breeze and fireflies dancing around the riverbank. It was night, but I could still see the crystal-clear water, illuminated by the moonlight.

This is where Astrid ended her life. I never got to speak to her, but I carry her heart and mind, so I know what she felt. Her burdens were too heavy, and I understand why she chose to end it all.

Even I have thought about ending my life. When my parents died, it felt like half of me died with them. Thanks to Jackson and Mr. Kim's support, I overcame that darkness and used it as inspiration. I learned everything I could to protect myself and the people around me, something I couldn't do for my parents. But now, I can't protect anyone anymore.

"You're here... again." I was jolted from my thoughts by a voice. His tone was so cold it sent shivers down my spine. "Are you planning to kill yourself again?" Aaron asked. He was standing right in front of me.

"What?! Of course not! Can't I just be trying to tire myself out so I can sleep?" I retorted.

He just stared at me seriously, making me scowl.

Why is this old guy here? He's ruining the peace of the place.

If Asta seemed like the next demon from hell, Aaron was like he was conceived in ice by the queen during her pregnancy. His gaze was cold, his face always serious, as if he didn't know how to smile. In his dealings with Astrid, it was as if she didn't exist. He didn't yell at or scold her like Asta did, but he wasn't as caring as Arthur either. To him, Astrid was just air.

I was currently sitting on a large rock by the river, picking up small stones and tossing them into the water. Aaron stood nearby, hands in his pockets, staring at the clear river.

Among the siblings, Aaron had the best chance of inheriting the throne. Not because he was the eldest, though. Here, it didn't depend on whether you were the firstborn to inherit the throne. Every child of the king had a chance to prove they were worthy, whether they were the eldest or not. Even Astrid could inherit the throne, if only she were as strong as her siblings.

Neither Aaron nor I said a word. I don't know why he suddenly appeared here, but now I couldn't enjoy the scenery with him lurking like a ghost. I didn't want to leave, though. Hello? I was here first.

"Mary had a lover then, he went out to sail again

And when he left her dead and gone, she had nothing to hold on

Mary wants to run away, she no longer wants to stay

Girls like her wait in the dark for someone who will save her heart..."

by Belle Mariano to ease the awkwardness. We looked like a couple having a lover's quarrel, and we weren't even speaking to each other! And he's my brother-this frozen guy! Astrid's voice was surprisingly beautiful. If Jackson were here, I'd brag to him about my new voice. He looks like a monkey eating powder when he sings.

"So now you suddenly know how to sing, huh? Is that what you gained from stabbing yourself?" he said.

What a harsh guy. Can't I sing just to lighten the mood? I shot him a nasty look and rolled my eyes. Let him wonder why Astrid suddenly knew how to act like a brat.

By the way, there's no trace of a stab wound on my body anymore. Thanks to whoever gave me that medicine. I wonder who it was. There was only an initial 'N' written on it. Why would they give me the medicine, though? Are they a stalker? Maybe they want a sparring partner?

I kept my eyes on the river but could still see Aaron in my peripheral vision. He moved his hand, and suddenly the wind grew stronger. Surprised, I looked at him, and he was now holding what looked like a transparent ball-an air ball!

Seriously... Did he come here just to show off his powers?

I clapped my hands as I looked at the rock across the river. It cracked when Aaron threw the air ball at it earlier.

"That's amazing! Do it again! Hit that one!" I said excitedly, pointing at another rock. I'd never seen anything like this before in my life, so I wanted to see more!

"No..."

I pouted at his response. I finally made a request, only to get turned down. Why did he even show off if he wasn't going to do more? Should I flying-kick him?

"You should try it," he said, which made me frown even more. Was he serious?

"What do you mean, 'you should try it'? I don't even have powers, remember? Why don't you just do it? You're being such a tease," I said. He turned to me with a serious look. Well, excuse me for not being serious.

"You can't pass the exam tomorrow if you can't release your Element. I know it's inside you. Now, give it a try."

He really was serious.

I didn't know what had gotten into him, coming here to talk to me in the middle of the night and telling me to "release my Element."

In the 16 years Astrid lived, she had tried countless times to release this so-called "Element" but had never succeeded. That's why she was labeled "The Weak Princess." And now he was telling me to try?

I stood up and faced him. It was just a try. There was no harm in trying, right? Who knows, something might come out, and that would be cool.

"Close your eyes and concentrate... Imagine that something inside you wants to break free."

I did as he said and closed my eyes. I imagined that something wanted to escape from me. I focused hard on what I was doing, picturing something coming out of my hand, like his.

After a few moments, it felt like... something was pulling at me. I could hear Aaron speaking, but I couldn't understand his words because of the heaviness I felt. My eyes remained shut, and the force pulling at me grew stronger. I also felt the sudden rise in wind.

I didn't know what was happening until I gasped for breath and collapsed to the ground, someone suddenly grabbing my hand. It was like I had just escaped the heaviest thing in my life. Before I could completely fall onto the grass, someone caught me. My body felt weak as I opened my eyes. I saw Aaron's concerned face as he supported me.

'What just happened?'

"Astrid, are you okay? Hey."

I let myself breathe for a moment before attempting to stand. My body still felt weak and heavy, but luckily, Aaron helped me up. It was his fault, after all. I couldn't help but laugh a little when I saw his face. His serious expression was gone, replaced by worry. If Astrid were here, she'd probably be delighted to see her cold brother looking concerned for her.

I wasn't sure if I had released the Element he was talking about. If that was the Element, it sure was hard to bring out.

"Can you stand?" Aaron asked when I let go of his support.

"What do you mean, Brother Ah-Ah-Ron? Of course, I can-"

I didn't even finish my sentence before I suddenly felt faint. My body couldn't take it anymore, and I lost consciousness.

To Be Continued...