The silence after the violence was deafening.
Alen stood over the bloodied remains of the prince's cousin, his knuckles soaked in crimson. The royal guards arrived in waves, shouting for his capture. But as they lunged forward, one look at his eyes—those burning with wrath, with ancient pride—stopped them in their tracks.
They whispered among themselves…
"Could he be… the Crimson Lion heir?"
Still, they had orders. Ten guards charged. Alen didn't flinch.
But just as weapons clashed, the clouds above parted—and with a thunderous roar, a massive crimson banner descended, carried by magic winds. The sigil of the Crimson Lion Clan burned in the sky like fire in daylight.
Then came Doren, clad in battle robes. His golden mane of hair and lion-engraved armor glinted with power. Behind him, the Head of the Crimson Lion Clan, Alen's grandfather, walked slowly—but each step was like thunder. Elite warriors flanked him, cloaked in robes stitched with lion fangs and claw motifs.
"Stand down," the clan leader boomed. "He is ours. His wrath is ours. His justice… is ours."
The entire courtyard trembled.
---
Inside the Royal Council
Meanwhile, deep inside the royal court chambers, panic had set in.
"He slaughtered a prince's cousin!" a noble barked.
"The Crimson Lions have raised their war banners!" another whispered.
"They wouldn't dare challenge us… would they?"
Behind closed doors, the king's advisor leaned in. "We cannot afford a war—not now, not when the Northern Dragons are watching. We must delay, negotiate… and if that fails—strike from the shadows."
The queen, watching from behind her veil, murmured, "That boy… Alen… He's no longer a student. He's a symbol. Either we break him—or we'll kneel before him."
The royal court prepared for war. But the Crimson Lions had already arrived.
---
Outside the Court: Lyra and Alen
After the confrontation, Alen and Lyra sat beneath a solitary tree near the academy grounds. Her head rested on his shoulder, tears trailing silently.
"You should've held back," she whispered.
"He threatened to sell you into slavery," Alen replied, his voice trembling. "How could I not become a demon?"
She looked at him—really looked—and her lips quivered. "You became a monster for me…"
He turned to her, his eyes soft. "Forgive me… I didn't mean to hide who I was, or drag you into this. I only wanted to protect you."
Lyra leaned closer. "Idiot," she whispered. "I'd rather walk through hell with you… than heaven without you."
She kissed him again, soft and slow.
"But next time," she said, wiping his hands clean, "don't do it alone. Let me fight beside you."
---
End Scene: Crimson Proclamation
At dusk, the academy bell tolled.
Doren stood atop the academy gates, addressing the students and faculty.
"To all within these walls… hear the roar of the Lion."
"Today, you've witnessed a prince's blood spilled. Tomorrow, you will witness something greater."
"The Crimson Lion heir—Alen—will no longer hide. His fate is now bound to yours."
As the crowd gasped, Lyra stepped beside Alen, holding his hand proudly.
In the shadows, spies from the royal court watched.
The game had begun.