The crimson glow of the flare still burned above, casting the clearing in a sickly red. Adrian stood with his blade drawn, Selena close behind him, her breaths shallow and uneven.
Across from them, Selena's uncle smiled coldly, his presence exuding authority sharper than any sword. Around him, a dozen Rael enforcers tightened their circle, blades glinting as they stepped closer, step by step.
Adrian's stance never faltered. "If you think I'll hand over the scroll, you'll have to take it with your lives."
Her uncle's gaze slid over Adrian like he was nothing more than a child waving a stick. "Bold words… for someone who doesn't understand the fire he plays with." His eyes shifted to Selena, and his voice dripped with disdain. "And you. After betraying your blood, you return dragging shame at your side. Tell me, Selena, do you even know what that scroll is?"
Selena's lips parted, but no words came. Her hands trembled at her sides.
Adrian's jaw tightened. "If you have something to say, say it. But your blades won't scare me."
The uncle chuckled, shaking his head. "So young. So foolish. Very well—if it's death you crave, I'll let my men grant it."
He raised his hand. Instantly, the enforcers surged forward, steel flashing in the bloodlight.
Adrian's energy flared. His blade met the first strike, sparks flying as steel clashed. He twisted, his free hand slamming into another enforcer's chest, sending the man crashing into the dirt.
Another swung from behind—Adrian ducked low, sweeping his leg out and breaking the man's balance before driving his elbow into his jaw.
The scroll's power thrummed in his veins. Every movement felt sharper, faster, more controlled. But still, the enemies were many.
Selena stumbled back, clutching her sleeve, fear in her eyes as she watched Adrian cut through the circle. Yet her uncle did not move—he simply watched, amusement flickering in his gaze.
One enforcer lunged, blade aimed for Adrian's chest. Adrian twisted aside, letting the attack glance past him, before driving his sword through the man's side. Another tried to flank him, only to be sent sprawling with a brutal kick.
The ground was stained with blood and dust. One by one, the enforcers fell.
Finally, silence. Adrian stood panting, his blade dripping red. All around him, the Rael warriors groaned or lay still on the ground.
Selena's eyes widened. "Adrian…"
But before relief could take root, her uncle stepped forward at last. The weight of his presence crushed the air, suffocating in its intensity.
Adrian's grip on his blade tightened, his arms trembling—not from exhaustion, but from the oppressive aura pressing down on him.
The uncle's lips curled into a thin smile. "Not bad for a boy. But don't mistake my silence for weakness. You've only danced with shadows…"
His hand slid to the hilt of his blade, drawing it with a slow, deliberate motion. The steel gleamed, hungry for blood.
"…now face the hand that holds them."
The air crackled with killing intent as he lunged.
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Author's Note:
🔥 Thank you so much for 5k+ views and collections! Adrian's first true test against the Rael family begins here. Do you think he stands a chance against Selena's uncle, or will the scroll's power fail him? Comment below—I'd love to hear your thoughts!