Destiny: Chosen For Battle

Destiny

Running through the dark, ugly-looking trees that felt like they were watching me, the demons were everywhere, hunting me. Fighting the demons was like fighting with your own shadow—an impossible task.

I felt fingers running down my neck and back, sending shivers through my body.

"Destiny, join us," the demon said in a raspy voice behind me. "You were weak, Destiny. Join us and get the powers you seek. The Devil wants you."

My body filled with goosebumps. I gritted my teeth in annoyance and spun around, trying to find the demon among the suffocating darkness that surrounded me.

"I guess you messed with the wrong person," I said with a smirk as I stood still. "Leave me or die," I added, though my voice wavered.

I wasn't sure of what I was saying— even the heavens knew I wasn't powerful enough to fight the demons.

Different voices laughed at me mockingly, and that was when I realized there were more than one demon.

Suddenly, the sound of my alarm woke me up. I sat up, panting and gasping for air, sweat running down my temple. I turned to glance at my alarm clock. 7:03 AM.

"My lady," the voice of Floral, my personal maid, sounded in the room. I turned to look at her as she stood at the entrance.

"Your bath is ready," she added with a smile, her hands folded neatly in front of her white apron.

"Thank you," I replied curtly, groaning slightly.

"Do you want anything else?" she asked.

I shook my head and told her she could leave. She bowed her head and left. Once I heard the door close behind her, I got up and entered my bathroom.

The steamy water was an invitation to my sore muscles, and I wasted no time answering its call. I stripped off my clothes and sank into the bathtub.

God, this feels amazing.

As I sank deeper into the water, I couldn't help but think about the dream I'd had. It felt so vivid, so real. I stayed in the bath for about twenty minutes before Flora's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"My lady, are you in there?"

Snapping out of my daydream, I replied, "Oh yes, just a minute."

I stepped out of the tub and wrapped myself in a towel. When I entered my room, Flora was standing next to my bed, holding a beautiful strapless white gown.

"Do you like this one, my lady?" she asked, shaking the silky material slightly.

"Yes, it's lovely. You really know my taste, Flora," I said with a wink.

She blushed. "White is my favorite," I added.

White matched my long white hair perfectly. My name is Destiny, and I would be turning 18 the next day. I am the only daughter and princess of the Cloud Kingdom.

My dad, a powerful warrior, always told me I would be a great fighter and princess, meant to use my powers for good.

But my mother... She was taken from us when I was just six. I still remembered the horrifying image of demons tearing through her flesh, drinking her blood, and devouring her brain. They would have killed me too, but Dad arrived just in time and saved me.

Since then, I've vowed to rid the world of demons, including Lucifer himself.

Tomorrow, I'd finally turn 18—a day that marked the awakening of full supernatural powers. The kingdom was already bustling with preparations. However, for the past few days, I hadn't been sleeping well. Nightmares of demons had plagued me, and I hadn't told my father.

That evening, I decided to visit Dad in his chambers.

"Dad," I called, slowly pushing his door open.

He was seated at his desk, glasses on and a book titled How to Kill Demons in his hand.

"Come sit," he said with a small smile, putting his book down.

I took a seat next to him, nervously twirling a strand of my hair.

"What's wrong, Princess?" Dad asked, brushing my hair gently.

"I've been having nightmares," I confessed.

His expression darkened. "What kind of nightmares?"

"Demons... They keep haunting me in my sleep, saying Lucifer wants me," I said, my voice trembling.

Dad sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.

"Don't worry about it, Princess. Tomorrow, I'll take you to Mr. Williams for potions to help with the nightmares," he said, though I could sense he was hiding something.

---

The next day, the kingdom celebrated my 18th birthday. I wore a stunning yellow gown that hugged my body perfectly. For the first time in years, I stepped into the ballroom and was greeted by whispers:

"She's beautiful."

"Is she the princess?"

"I don't like her."

After Dad's speech, I met countless guests, but eventually, I became overwhelmed and excused myself. I was sipping orange juice at the bar when a handsome young man approached me.

"Would you care for a dance, Princess Destiny?" he asked.

His blonde hair was slicked back, his pink lips curling into a half-smile.

"Uhm, sure," I stammered, placing my hand in his.

"My name is Kelvin," he introduced himself.

"I'm Destiny," I replied nervously.

"I know," he chuckled, pulling me to the dance floor.

We danced silently, his eyes fixed on mine, sending my heart into overdrive.

"You dance really well," he said.

Before I could respond, Dad approached.

"Destiny, come with me," he said sternly.

---

After pulling me aside, Dad revealed something shocking.

"I added your name to the Teen Supernatural Academy candidates list. You were selected."

"What?" I whisper-yelled, my emotions spiraling.

Tears threatened to spill as I stormed out of the castle, needing air. I wandered into the forest, my yellow gown dragging along the dirt path.

I realized too late I had wandered too far.

"Are you lost, Princess?" a husky voice said.

I froze. Emerging from the shadows was a boy—a breathtaking figure with a dangerous smirk.

"Oh my god," I whispered. "Is he... a demigod?"