Reincarnated as the Betrothed: Bride of the Shadow Queen

Anezka's Pov

As I listened to Mentor Selmor's explanation, I found it challenging to fully grasp the intricacies of his words. One astonishing detail stood out amidst the complexities: he can never die, a revelation that captivated my imagination.

Just as I began to let my curiosity pull me away into a world of wonder, he continued, his voice steady and commanding. "Now that you know a bit about me, I want to learn about your abilities. This time, I'm officially giving you a second chance, so please don't disappoint me. I've conducted this very test with all of your cousins during their first session with me, and I've come to understand their unique abilities. Now, it's your turn."

I straightened my back, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination, and asked, "What type of test?"

I watched as Mentor Selmor elegantly pointed his index finger at the earth, and from it, vibrant green strands of magic began to swirl and dance. To my astonishment, those shimmering threads coalesced into a beautifully crafted wooden bench, its surface glistening under the soft light filtering through the trees.

At first, I was captivated by the display, but as the reality of the upcoming test sank in, a heavy sense of dread replaced my initial fascination. After taking a seat on the rustic bench, Mentor Selmor continued with a calm yet commanding voice, "The test is simple. I will present you with a flower; your task is to observe it closely. You may smell it if you wish, but under no circumstances are you allowed to break, crush, or taste it. Once you've completed your observations, I will reclaim the flower from you. Then, I will grant you one hour to explore this vast and mysterious forest. Your mission is to retrieve the exact same flower," he explained, a wicked smile playing at the corners of his mouth, hinting at the challenge ahead.

"Simple, isn't it?" he asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this test than met the eye. "It may not be as straightforward as it sounds, but I'll do my best," I replied, determination etched on my face, steeling myself for the task that lay ahead.

As Mentor Selmor heard my reply, a hearty laugh erupted from him, and he shook his head with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Well, I may not have insights on everything else," he said, a sparkle in his eye, "but it's clear that you're beginning to understand me much better. That's impressive! I'm going to offer you a unique opportunity since, after all, you are human, and you might need a little extra support. You can enlist the help of your cousins if you wish."

He leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Your cousins possess remarkable abilities that can assist you physically. However, when it comes to obtaining that elusive flower, the mental challenge rests solely on your shoulders. They are aware of their limits and know how much they can assist you, as I will be keeping a watchful eye on all your moves. So remember, no cheating!" As I absorbed his words, I turned my gaze to my cousins gathered nearby.

They smiled back at me, their expressions filled with warmth and encouragement, a comforting reminder that I wasn't alone in this endeavor. A wave of gratitude washed over me, warming my heart and fueling my determination to succeed.

I gazed down at the carpet of dried leaves scattered across the ground, allowing myself to contemplate the option that Mentor Selmor had presented to me. Each brittle crackle underfoot echoed my swirling thoughts.

After several minutes of reflection, I raised my eyes to meet Mentor Selmor's gaze, determination hardening my resolve. "Alright, Mentor Selmor," I said firmly, "I've decided to give this test my all without relying on my cousin's help. I'll tackle this challenge alone." I glanced at my cousin beside me, their expression falling in disappointment.

I could sense their eagerness to support me, but I knew that to reshape Mentor Selmor's perception of my fragility, I had to take this step on my own. "I believe that with your watchful eyes on me, I won't face any serious harm," I asserted. "I'll face the test alone."

As I spoke, I observed a subtle shift in Mentor Selmor's eyes, moving from an unsettling glint to an emotion I couldn't quite decipher—was it warmth, perhaps, or a hint of sorrow? Before I could analyze it further, he turned his head slightly to the right and mumbled, "So foolish," his voice tinged with a mixture of annoyance and something I couldn't quite place.

Mentor Selmor rose from his weathered wooden bench, seamlessly transforming from his human form into a ghostly phantom. With a graceful swirl, he glided through the air, vanishing into the ether.

I turned to Adrian, my heart racing, and he whispered reassuringly, "Good luck, sister." I flashed a smile at him, eager to respond, but our attention was swiftly drawn back to Mentor Selmor as he materialized once more, swirling back into view.

He reverted to his human form, holding a striking red flower delicately in his hands. He approached me, the vibrant hue of the flower contrasting against the soft earth tones of his attire. "Then let's begin the test," he said, as he passed the flower to me.

After handing it over, he returned to his bench, his expression calm and expectant. I cradled the flower gently, inspecting it with curiosity. Its deep crimson petals unfurled from an elongated tube, each blossom bursting into five radiant corolla lobes that spread outward like a fan. As I gazed at it, a sense of déjà vu washed over me; I felt a vague familiarity with this enchanting flower, but the memory eluded my grasp, lingering just out of reach.

Rather than getting lost in a whirlpool of déjà vu, I chose to focus on the flower before me. Its petals, intricately fused into a trumpet shape, formed a long, slender tube that gracefully spread into lobes, reminiscent of delicate waves.

I brought the flower close to my nostrils, eager to inhale its fragrance, but as I took a deep breath, I was met with an unsettling emptiness—there was no aroma at all. As I strained to detect any hint of scent, the realization struck me: Mentor Selmor had played a clever trick on me. This beautiful flower was utterly scentless, a deceitful marvel of nature that left me puzzled.

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"What good are wings without the courage to fly."

- By Atticus