Steel shrieked as Adrian's blade met the assassin leader's strike. The impact sent a shockwave through the courtyard, dust and leaves scattering into the night air.
The man's strength was monstrous—every blow pressed Adrian's arms to the brink, every clash tested the limits of his body. His muscles burned, his wounds throbbed, but the fire in his chest refused to waver.
I can't fall here. Not yet. Not until they all regret casting me aside.
He sidestepped another slash, his blade darting upward in a brilliant counter. Sparks erupted as steel clashed, the sound echoing like thunder. The scroll's runes pulsed brighter at his waist, feeding his strikes with raw power.
Selena watched with wide eyes, her nails digging into her palms. She wanted to move, to help, but fear pinned her in place. Still, her heart screamed: Don't lose, Adrian… you can't lose now.
The leader pressed harder, his strikes swift and merciless. "You're strong, boy. Stronger than I expected. But strength alone cannot change fate."
Adrian spat blood and forced a grim smile. "Fate? Fate belongs to those who dare to break it."
With a roar, he unleashed a heavy slash, energy tearing through the air. The force staggered the assassin leader back a step, his mask cracking down the side. For the first time, the man's composure faltered.
Adrian seized the chance, driving forward with everything he had. Their blades met once more—this time, Adrian's will surged higher, crashing against the assassin's strength like a rising tide.
The leader leapt back, breathing heavier than before. A hand reached up to his cracked mask, pulling it away.
Selena gasped. Her lips trembled as recognition struck.
"No… it can't be…"
The man's face emerged—cold, scarred, but unmistakable.
"Uncle Kael…" Selena whispered.
Adrian's eyes narrowed, confusion flickering before it hardened into fury. "So it was the Rael family all along."
Kael's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You were never supposed to have that scroll, boy. It belongs to the Rael bloodline. Hand it over now, and perhaps I'll leave you with your life."
Selena shook her head violently, tears welling in her eyes. "Uncle, why?! Why send assassins after your own blood?"
Kael's gaze turned cold as steel. "Because weakness has no place in our family. And you, Selena, were never worthy to hold our name."
Adrian stepped in front of her, his blade raised, fury burning in his eyes. "If you want her life—or this scroll—you'll have to cut me down first."
Kael's smirk deepened, his aura surging like a storm. "So be it."
The courtyard trembled as uncle and nephew's shadows collided—one driven by greed, the other by vengeance.
---
✨ Author's Note:
The truth is finally out—Selena's own family is pulling the strings 😱. What do you think about Kael's betrayal? And can Adrian really stand against someone who knows the secrets of the Rael bloodline?
Thank you all for helping this story reach over 5.5k views and growing collections — your support is what keeps me writing 🙏.