HEAL OR BREAK ME

Decades ago, in a world where magic and true nature coexisted, two powerful beings, Dogar and Nana, who were siblings with extraordinary abilities, were tasked with maintaining the balance of the world's energies. Not until a troubling thought began to overwhelm Dogar. He approached Nana with a proposition to clear his mind. "Why must we follow the pattern of our fathers?" he asked, pacing back and forth. What if our understanding of good and evil is wrong? Nana, Together, let's rule the world according to our own design, not by what we know of good and bad."

Nana was horrified by Dogar's suggestion. She knew that combining their powers would have catastrophic consequences if misused. "We can't do that, Dogar," she pleaded. "Our role is to protect the world, not dominate it." Dogar was impatient and refused to see reasons for her. He was fully blinded by the love of power and had grown tired of Nana's constant caution and refusal to embrace his vision. So, he decided to embark on his plan alone. Dogar summoned dark energies from an ancient book, the Book of Shadows. Which he followed the instructions and prepared a potion using Nana's blood.

Nana, sensing Dogar's treachery, tries to stop him. But it was too late. Dogar had tricked her into drinking from a spiked cup, which made her fall into a deep sleep. As she laid unconscious, Dogar used her blood to create a dark ritual, calling upon the different forces of nature to bend to his demands. By the time nana regained consciousness, the world was in chaos. The earth was trembling upside down, and the skies covered in darkness. "Dogar, what have you done?" She screamed in despair. The ritual had released a destructive energy that was threatening to destroy the world.

Left with no choice and a heavy heart, Nana decided to act. She used all of her own powers to create a reversal spell, binding Dogar and restricting his influence, as she sends him deep inside the forest. Nana knew a day like this would come and had also prepared as well. The ritual exhausted her, but it was necessary to prevent further destruction, so she buried the book of shadows, hiding it from those who might want to misuse its powers.

The latter effect of the battle left Nana emotionally wounded. She withdrew herself, unable to bear the burden of the guilt of confining her own brother and the consequences of her actions. Finally, she made the difficult decision to leave her world and seek solace in the land of the living. In this new land, Nana found peace in the company of humans. She took on a new role, becoming a guardian and mother to a young stranded girl named Elara. As Elara grew older, Nana watched over her, protecting her like a mother should. She eventually got married and gave birth to a daughter, Aria, and passed away a few years later. Nana was now left with the responsibility of Aria, and she continued to watch over her, teaching her the ways of life. -----------------------

However, the kingdom from which nana came from was ruled by a powerful king, who was now aging. The king's seven wives had borne him only daughters, but the lack of a clear heir made him unhappy. His health was deteriorating, and he became desperate for a solution. For this, he put out a decree to his granddaughters: get married and bear me a son. For whoever does this first inherits the throne.

The competition for the throne intensified among them. Except for Lyra. She was uninterested because she had fallen in love with a vampire. She knew he'd be forbidden from her as the king's child, but she wanted him. So they decided to use pregnancy to force their union. Unfortunately, Lyra bore a son who she named Kael, and was now a hybrid, born of a union between Lyra and the vampire. This made him an unlikely candidate for the throne, according to tradition, but the king didn't mind. He decided to scrap the tradition. This was his heir and his decision was final.

The conflict escalated when Mina, another daughter, gave birth to a son, Ryker few years later. The king was overjoyed at the opportunity of a pure-blooded heir but had already grown accustomed to the young boy, Kael, whom he loved so much and was grooming for the throne. This sparked a bitter rivalry between Lyra and Mina, with their sons at the center of the dispute until the king passed away.

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CHAPTER ONE

ARIA'S POV

"Caramel Macchiato, chocolate toppings please" I smiled, recognizing the voice.

It was Michael's.

"Coming right away!" I replied as I quickly made moves to prepare his drink. This was the third time he'd stopped by in the last nine hours. I chuckled at the realization. He never says anything to me, rather he sits there and sips whatever drink he orders, depending on his mood every day.

Today wasn't any different, except that it was my birthday. My twenty-first. But I'm still stuck in this small town working at Patrick's Coffee Corner with no life ambition or zeal. My boss, Mr. Patrick, has taken me under his wings, carefully teaching me the art of coffee making.

Now I run his business incredibly like it's mine. I expertly prepared Michael's drink, with steaming milk, pouring espresso and topping it with caramel syrup. My eyes drifted over to where he sat. He was staring at me again. The moment our eyes met, he quickly looked away, drowning himself in his book.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. Michael was one of the reasons I looked forward to opening this shop every day. He gives me a sense of recognition, a feeling that someone out there notices me.

However, it is. I don't read minds, so I can't tell if he likes me, or that he's just shy. The surprising thing is, he doesn't pass off as a shy person mainly by appearance. He has this curly black hair that falls over his face and sparkling blue eyes. A nice body build as well.

I know about this: That fateful day he came in drenched from the rain. His polo hugged his physique. He caught me staring, and I felt like the ground would eat me all up from the embarrassment.

"Here's your order, Sire" I replied, placing the drink in front of him and making my way to exit, but he drew me back.

"Hey, happy birthday, Aria" he flashed a charming grin, and I melted.

"How did you know that?" I asked, surprised. "Well, I overheard you. On the phone. Right... There" he took his words, as though he was breaking them.

He reached out to his jacket, pulled out an elegant red velvet box and handed it over to me. "Open it, just a little something I got for you" he added, his eyes sparkling.

I quickly unwrapped it, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a tiny coffee cup pendant. "Oh my God! It is beautiful". I exclaimed. Michael leaned in; his voice low. "I'm sorry, I had no idea, I would have prepared on time."

I paused, staring at him. He likes me, how thoughtful it was. Everything suddenly made sense. That was the reason he kept stopping by.

In the last five years, I've barely had friends around me. My life was a lonely threshold, seeing the importance of mingling, as my grandma always taught me before her demise.

Grandma would consistently ask me to invite a friend for lunch or give me snacks to give to my friends at school. She was worried about me, and I was satisfied with grandma's company alone. Now I'm older, I see her reasons for making me do all of that.

"And you deserve beautiful things" Michael added, breaking my thoughts. I was lost staring at him, and he was fiddling under my intense gaze at that point. I felt a warmth spread through my chest and, without warning, I reached for his face, planting a soft two-second kiss on his lips.

Michael froze; his eyes widened in surprise. I pulled back with my heart racing, wondering what I had just done.

Just then, a loud thunderstorm struck, shaking the entire coffee shop. We both giggled like teenagers, using our hands to block our ears from further noise. It was going to rain heavenly tonight. The atmosphere was changing terribly. The giggling stopped as we stared at each other immensely for what seemed like twenty seconds. In an instant, he pulled me closer to him. His hot breath was a few inches away from my face. I was taken aback, but at the same time thrilled the moment he placed his soft lips on mine again, a shiver ran down my spine. I had waited for this moment that I had lost track of how many times I envisioned it.

His tongue swirled throughout my mouth, demanding freedom. I granted all the access he needed, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.

Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation, like we were being watched. I slightly opened my eyes, and I caught a glimpse of a figure standing outside. His eyes shone, a bright honey brown in the darkness. I felt an inexplicable jolt as I broke the kiss, pushing Michael aside with my heart racing.

"Wait, I..." I rushed over to the louvers to confirm what I had just seen. But by the time I got there, the figure had vanished.

"What's wrong, who's there?" Michael asked, confusion written all over his face.

I tried to slide it off. "No one. It's probably just my imagination", I lied, not wanting to ruin the moment.

His smile returned as he wrapped his hand around me. "Let's celebrate your birthday then."

I forced a chuckle, trying to shake off the unease. "We should", I agreed, following Michael back inside the shop. But I knew what I saw.

And it wasn't my imagination.

All the sparks disappeared after that incident. The mysterious figure outside shattered the intimacy. I tried to brush it off, so I didn't ruin the beautiful moment with Michael.

But I couldn't.

Three times this week. I've seen him staring at me, but whenever I take a second look, he's no longer there. It's like my imagination is playing a game of hide-and-seek with me.

The same bright golden eyes, one that's lighted. You could literally see the fire burning from miles away.

"The rain's finally stopped", Michael announced, glancing out of the window as he grabbed his jacket. "It's past eight too. You should grab your bag, and I'll walk you home a little bit."

I began to put my things together in silence, feeling a bit awkward. I guess he noticed the change in my expression, but he refused to press further about my uneasiness.

And I felt instant guilt.

This was our first moment together in months, and somehow I managed to ruin it. For the same reason, I have no one in my space. I scoffed.

"Thanks for the birthday surprise" I added, trying to ease his mood, and he smiled, muttering a very low "You're welcome."

"You still owe me for all the times you came here and just watched me without saying a word," I teased.

Michael giggled. "I'm sorry Aria, I wasn't sure you'd like my company. I admit, it must have been really creepy for you."

"Nah, it wasn't." I grabbed the rest of my things, closing the door behind me. "If I'm to be honest, I actually loved it. I look forward to seeing you every day."

We stepped out into the cold evening. Michael offered his arm, and I took it, feeling a bit at ease under his care. We strolled through the quiet streets, the only sound being heard was our footsteps and cricket noises.

We got to a point and he stopped. "I'll stop here, Aria", he announced.

I threw my arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank you so much!" I exclaimed, feeling safe and enclosed in his embrace.

We bid each other goodbye, and Michael turned to leave. I watched him as he disappeared. The remaining walk home was a short one, so I continued my journey, wallowing in my thoughts.

Suddenly, I sensed a presence behind me. I turned around and found three figures silently following me dressed in all black, synchronizing my steps with theirs. I quickly hastened my steps, my skin crawling with fear.

Don't look back again. Don't show fear. My subconscious assured me.

But I couldn't. Immediately, I took to my heels, and they did too, giving me a hot chase. With my hands trembling, I fumbled for my keys when I got to my apartment.

At a swift moment, I opened it, and slammed it shut behind me, locking the dead bolt. I leaned against the door, trying to catch my breath. Tears streamed down my face as I slid down the door, breaking into heavy sobs.

What is happening to me? These past few days, I have realized the importance of having a sibling or a parent or even a friend. I had none.

My grandma was all I had in this entire world, and she passed away years ago, but every day the wound still feels fresh. She promised to stay with me. She said for as long as. But she betrayed me.

I buried my head in my hands, curling myself up on the floor, sobbing even more. My body vibrated at the intensity of my broken heart.

After what felt like eternity, I felt a light touch on my shoulders. Clouded in tears, I couldn't see. It was just a hand offering me a white handkerchief with silver linings at the edges. The delicate fabric still managed to glow even in the dark.

Without thinking, I took it, wiping my tears and releasing the phlegm of my nose into it. When I finally composed myself. That was when reality struck me.

I have seen this handkerchief before.

As a matter of fact, I had one just like that in my wardrobe which I had treasured for years.

My subconscious screamed at me:" Who's in your house, Aria? In that instance, I sprang up immediately in fear. Looking around me in the darkness, searching for the mysterious figure.

My phone! I needed light!

I searched for my bag to find my phone, switching on the apartment light. The sudden brightness made me squint.

That was when I saw him. Seated elegantly on my couch, his eyes fixed on me. The same golden eyes, the ones that had haunted me for days.

The stranger.

My heart froze. How did he get there? Why was he here? He didn't move, no smile, no expression.

I stood paralyzed, unsure of what to do next. The handkerchief slipped from my hands and landed on the floor.

FLASHBACK

I was only twelve years old when my world crumbled.

That day, I waited anxiously for grandma to pick me up from school as usual. But she never came.

Mrs Thompson, my teacher, decided to drive me home instead. I thought she did so when she got tired of waiting for Grandma too.

I was wrong.

She looked sad throughout the ride and constantly watched me from her mirror, but I didn't care.

I only wanted to see my grandma. As we turned onto our street, I saw an ambulance, police cars, and lots of people, especially familiar faces from the neighborhood outside our house.

Confused, I walked past, and everyone was just staring at me, all speaking in hushed tones. Some were even crying. I went into the house and grandma wasn't there to give me an explanation.

So I went back to my teacher, "Mrs. Thompson, what's happening? Where's Grand Mama? "I asked.

"Aria darling, I think you should prepare yourself. She's right there, waiting for you", she pointed towards the ambulance.

I was old enough to know about ambulances, but I didn't think my grandma would be there. "Grand mama!" I screamed. Heading towards the ambulance. I saw her lying still, immovable.

The police officer turned to me, "Aria, honey, I'm so sorry but your grandma passed away."

I paused for a moment. Recalling her words, days before. Grandma had said things like, "My time is coming, Aria. And I won't be taking you with me."

I asked her, "Where are you going? Who's going to be with me? I want to come with you."

But she replied, "You won't understand now, my darling, but I want you to be brave. And an angel will always watch over you."

I didn't understand then, but now I do.

I broke into sobs, calling her name as the police officer took me away to a corner. Soon enough, the crowd dispersed, the neighbors began arguing about who should take care of me. I felt forgotten and alone.

I coiled myself up in a corner, just as I always do whenever I'm heartbroken. With tears pouring down my face.

That's when I saw him.

A tall, chocolate, dark-haired man with golden eyes. He knelt beside me, offering me a white handkerchief laced with silver linings. "Don't cry, okay, I will take care of you" he whispered as he patted my shoulders.

I took the handkerchief, staring at him. He was so 'beautiful' with his hairy brows and finely carved lips. I looked down, wiping my eyes, ready to go with him but as I opened my eyes, he was nowhere to be found. The next-door neighbor picked up my bag, held my hands, and took me home with him. I kept looking back, hoping he was there. But he wasn't.

Was he the angel Grandma talked about? I wondered.

Then I had no idea. Now everything makes sense. I held on to that handkerchief because I knew he was the angel grandma talked about, and I hoped to see him again.

But I never did.

BACK TO THE PRESENT_

Staring at him now, he hasn't changed at all.

What! Did he not age?

"Who are you?" I finally gathered the courage to question him, but he only rolled his eyes.

Such features of a girl! My subconscious scoffed at his lashes. Who created this man?

"Is there a reason why you've been following me all day? I questioned further but he gave no response.

"Why are you in my house? How did you get in here? Speak! I screamed at him.

He smiled. "I'm Kael, your guardian Angel."

I scoffed. "Guardian Angel? What do you think this is? Some movie or games?"

He shook his head, returning his gaze to his wrist. A band sat peacefully on them.

I quickly rushed to the kitchen, and grabbed a penknife.

I had no idea what I was doing. But I just carried on. His eyes flashed with concern.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing my supposed Angel can't handle. I teased. "Tell me who you are! Why were you following me? You have ten seconds, or I'll slit myself and die under your watch."

"No, you should not do that" he added, absentmindedly.

"Five seconds, I counted down.

He stood up as he walked towards me elegantly. The knife began trembling on my wrists. I still tried to hold it firmly.

"Two seconds." He raised his hand, palm facing me.

A soothing energy emerged from his hands, clouding me and the knife slipped off my fingers.

Everything gradually becomes dark.

I felt myself falling, but his swift arms caught me. His scent, the most enticing feels ever.

I leaned into him, losing consciousness.