Aiden Knight's POV
"You're not seriously considering skipping Clara's birthday for some martial arts exhibition," Chloe said, misreading my silence.
I pulled her closer on the sofa. "The timing is unfortunate."
"Unfortunate?" She twisted to look at me directly. "Aiden, she's been planning this for weeks. Half of Everbrook City's elite will be there."
"I'll make it up to her."
Chloe's expression shifted from casual concern to something sharper. "You really think this duel is more important than—"
"This duel determines whether I live or die," I interrupted. "Clara will understand."
The conversation died as the weight of tomorrow settled between us.
Later that night, after Chloe had fallen asleep curled against my chest, I slipped away to continue my cultivation. The mysterious black stone pulsed with increasing intensity as I drew spiritual energy into my core.
The breakthrough came just before dawn.
