Charlotte lay on her bed in the dimly lit dorm room, the heavy curtains drawn tightly, keeping the world outside at bay. The silence in the room was almost suffocating, broken only by the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the academy grounds. She stared blankly at the ceiling, her mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts. Today had been a turning point, a moment that shattered the fragile illusion she had carefully built around herself ever since breaking off her engagement with Noah.
Noah—just the thought of his name sent a sharp pang of regret through her heart. She could still hear his voice, clear as day, promising her the world. He had always been there for her, the boy who would do anything to protect her. She remembered the days they spent together in the royal garden, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine, the warmth of the sun on their skin. It was under the shade of an ancient oak tree that he had looked her in the eyes and vowed, "I will become strong, Charlotte. I will protect you, no matter what."
But that was before the awakening. Before the day her father, the emperor, had deemed Noah unworthy. She remembered the cold, calculating look in her father's eyes as he dismissed Noah, as if the boy were nothing more than a fleeting shadow. "You cannot be with someone so weak, Charlotte," he had said, his tone final and unyielding. "A princess deserves a strong partner, one who can stand by her side in times of crisis."
In that moment, Charlotte had felt cornered. Torn between her love for Noah and her duty as a princess, she had made the decision to break off their engagement. She had told herself it was for the best—that Noah would eventually understand, that he would move on. But as the days turned into weeks, she realized just how wrong she had been. She had expected him to pine for her, to remain the same boy who had adored her. But he hadn't. Instead, he had turned away, his gaze no longer lingering on her as it once had. The Noah she knew seemed to have vanished.
Today, she had witnessed a side of him she never could have anticipated. During the academy's training session, the students had faced a boss monster—a creature so fearsome that it sent shivers down even the bravest of warriors. But Noah had stepped forward without hesitation, his demeanor calm, his eyes focused. There was no trace of fear in him, only a quiet confidence that unsettled her. He fought with an intensity that left her breathless, his movements so fluid and precise that they seemed to defy the very limits of human capability. The sword in his hand was an extension of himself—each strike, each movement, executed with deadly purpose.
As the monster fell, its body crumpling under Noah's strength, the silence that followed was deafening. No one spoke, no one dared to. It was as though the entire academy was in shock. For someone like Noah, so often seen as weak and unworthy, to have defeated such a formidable creature was beyond belief. Charlotte could hear the unspoken words in the air—Noah had proven her wrong. He had shown everyone, especially her, just how strong he had become. And all she could feel now was a deep, gnawing sense of loss.
She had cast him aside, believing he would remain the same boy—weak, unworthy. And now, here he was, standing victorious, the hero of the hour. The realization hit her like a cold wave: she had made a grave mistake.
Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the memories of their childhood. The laughter they had shared, the stolen moments under the stars, the way they had dreamed together of a future that now seemed so distant. She remembered the day they had picked flowers in the garden, their fingers brushing as they reached for the same bloom. Noah had smiled at her, his eyes shining with hope. "One day, I'll be strong enough to protect you, Charlotte. You'll see."
Tears pricked at her eyes as she recalled the warmth of his hand in hers, the safety she had always felt when he was near. But now, that safety was gone. She had taken it for granted, believing that her title and her status would shield her from the consequences of her choices. But now, lying in the darkness of her room, all she felt was guilt.
What had she done? She had pushed him away, convinced that she was doing the right thing. But in reality, she had only succeeded in isolating herself from the one person who had truly cared for her. The thought of Noah fighting alone, without her by his side, gnawed at her heart. She had wanted him to be strong, but not like this—not without her.
The shadows in the room deepened, mirroring the darkness she felt inside. But then, a surge of determination rose within her. She could not let this be the end. She had to find a way to make amends, to show Noah that she still believed in him, that she still cared. But how could she approach him now, after everything that had happened? Would he even want to see her again?
Charlotte sat up, wiping the tears from her cheeks, the weight of her regrets heavy on her chest. The darkness of her room felt stifling, but she knew she had to face it. She had to confront her feelings, take responsibility for her actions. If Noah had become strong, then she, too, would have to find her strength. She could not let her past mistakes define her future.
Taking a deep breath, Charlotte made a decision. She would seek him out. She would apologize, express the regret that weighed heavily on her heart. She would remind him of their promises, the dreams they had shared. And perhaps, just perhaps, she could rebuild the bridge that had been burned between them.
With newfound resolve, she rose from her bed. The shadows no longer felt like a prison; they were a reminder of the journey she needed to undertake. She dressed quickly, her heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and hope. The academy was alive with energy, the distant sounds of students training and laughter echoing through the halls. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil within her, but it was the world she needed to face.
As she stepped out of her dorm room, the cool air hit her face, invigorating her spirit. She made her way through the corridors, her mind racing with thoughts of how to approach Noah. Would he even listen to her? Would he remember the promises they had made in the garden?
The memories of their childhood flooded back in waves, each one a reminder of the bond they had shared. She remembered how he had always been there for her, encouraging her when she doubted herself. Now, it was her turn to believe in him, to support him as he had once supported her.
"I need to go see him," Charlotte whispered to herself, determination settling in her chest. It was time to take the first step.