The mask hit the ground with a hollow clatter.
Selena's breath froze in her chest. The face beneath it was one she had never expected to see here, wielding a blade against her.
"U…Uncle Kael…" she whispered, her voice cracking.
Kael's scarred features twisted into a smirk. "So you remember. Good. That will make this easier. Step aside, Selena. This matter is not yours."
Her heart pounded like war drums. Memories flashed—Kael training her when she was younger, teaching her the Rael family's creed: strength above all else. She had admired him once. Now, that same man stood ready to spill her blood.
Adrian stepped protectively in front of her, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. His sword was steady despite the cuts on his arms. "She's not stepping aside. If you want the scroll, you'll have to cut through me."
Kael's gaze hardened. "Then you'll die first."
He lunged. The force of his strike shook the courtyard, sparks flying as his blade met Adrian's. Adrian gritted his teeth, holding the clash, but Kael's strength pushed him back, inch by inch.
Selena's eyes widened. He's too strong… Adrian won't hold forever.
Her hand trembled as it touched the hilt of her dagger. She had never drawn it against family, but tonight, bloodlines meant nothing. She clenched her jaw, tears stinging her eyes.
Uncle or not, I won't let him take Adrian from me.
"Adrian—move!" she cried.
Adrian twisted aside just as Kael's blade descended. Selena leapt forward, her dagger flashing under the moonlight. Steel screeched as she struck Kael's arm, forcing him back a step.
Kael's eyes narrowed in fury. "So you would raise your blade against me, Selena? Against your own blood?"
Her hands shook, but her voice was steady.
"You stopped being my family the moment you chose power over us. I won't let you hurt him—or me—again!"
Kael's aura flared, his killing intent heavier than ever. "Foolish girl. If that's your choice, then die with him!"
Adrian pushed forward, sword glowing faintly with the scroll's energy. Selena darted beside him, her dagger striking in quick, precise motions. For the first time, she wasn't just standing behind him—she was fighting alongside him.
Their blades moved in unison—Adrian's heavy and unyielding, Selena's sharp and swift. Together, they forced Kael back, even if only by steps.
But Kael's power was monstrous. With a roar, he slashed wide, the shockwave sending both of them skidding across the courtyard. Selena fell to one knee, gasping for breath, but she raised her dagger again.
Adrian glanced at her, blood trickling down his lip. Despite everything, he smiled faintly.
"You've got fire in you after all."
Selena wiped her tears, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Then let's burn him together."
Kael's expression darkened, his aura swelling to a terrifying peak. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he prepared his strongest strike.
The courtyard trembled, and the night air grew heavy.
This was no longer a fight between strangers. It was a battle between family torn apart—between blood and chosen bonds.
And Selena was ready to sever the ties herself.