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Chapter 10: The Day of Chains and Thunder
The great arena of the capital was a sea of banners and voices. Nobles filled the balconies, commoners pressed at the gates, and soldiers lined the walls.
Today was not just the day of an engagement — it was the day the King proved his dominion, binding the second greatest house, the Aderenle, to the throne through blood.
At the center of it all stood Dick, golden armor gleaming, aura flaring violently. Second Order, Fifth Tier — his presence crushed weaker men to their knees. He basked in the adoration, in the whispers of power.
And across from him, cold as ice, Nabila. Dressed in ceremonial silver, her hair bound, her violet aura sharp. Second Order, First Tier — young, but unyielding. Her expression betrayed nothing, though her eyes burned with fury and silent resolve.
The announcer's voice thundered across the coliseum.
"By decree of His Majesty, the crown prince's engagement shall be sealed in blood and strength. Any challenger may step forward — but know, only the victor earns the right to stand at Lady Nabila's side!"
The crowd roared.
And then — a smaller figure stepped forward from the Aderenle seats.
Gasps rippled.
Najima.
Her eyes burned with something dark and hungry, her hand clenched around the blackened ring on her finger. Her aura pulsed faintly, wrong somehow, shadows clinging to her movements.
"Sister," Najima's voice carried, sharp as a blade, "I challenge you."
The arena fell silent.
Nabila's eyes widened — not in fear, but in sorrow. "…Najima?"
Najima's lips curled into a bitter smile.
"All my life, I've been your shadow. Today, I'll tear you down in front of them all. Today, the world will remember my name."
The crowd erupted, voices divided between shock and anticipation. Dick smirked cruelly, enjoying the spectacle.
"Very well!" the announcer declared. "The first match: Nabila of the Aderenle… versus Najima of the Aderenle!"
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The sisters clashed.
Nabila moved with precision, her blade sharp and aura steady. Najima fought with raw fury, each strike heavier than her frame should allow. The ring pulsed, shadows licking her skin, her body moving beyond her limits.
Steel clashed, sparks flying. The crowd roared.
Nabila blocked another savage strike, her heart pounding. This strength… it isn't hers. What has she done…?
"Do you see, sister?" Najima spat, her eyes glowing faintly crimson. "I'm no longer your shadow! I'll surpass you — even if I must burn myself away!"
Nabila gritted her teeth. "Najima, stop this! Whatever you've bound yourself to — it's consuming you!"
But Najima screamed, lunging again, her blade shrouded in unnatural black.
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And then — lightning split the sky.
The crowd gasped as a figure appeared at the edge of the arena, stepping from the shadows like a phantom. White hair gleamed, violet lightning crackled at his heels, and his eyes burned with a storm that silenced even the loudest voice.
The announcer's voice faltered. "…Impossible… That—he's—"
"Malik," Nabila whispered, her chest tightening.
Dick's face drained of color, then twisted into furious disbelief.
"No… no, it can't be—you're dead!"
The nobles murmured in panic. The King's eyes narrowed dangerously.
And Malik?
He simply walked forward, each step echoing through the stunned silence, until his gaze locked with Dick's.
"I told you," Malik's voice was calm, merciless, as violet lightning crawled across his shoulders.
"If I ever came back… I'd end you all."
The arena trembled.
The storm had returned.
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