The morning sun rose high above the Velmor palace, gilding the courtyard in gold. Tessa's voice echoed down the marble hallway as she followed Jasper relentlessly.
"Please, Your Highness—just once," Tessa pressed. "I won't back down. I promise."
Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience worn thin. "Te .. Ms. Malven.…"
"You saw me fight with a dagger, didn't you? You saw I don't back away when it's life or death. And if hunters attack again, I refuse to be a burden. I need to learn—" she pressed on, her tone both pleading and sharp, "—and it was my longggg hidden wish.."
Silver eyes narrowed on her. For a heartbeat he said nothing, but then a ghost of a smirk curved his lips. "You really don't give up, do you?"
"Not when I know I'm right and determind to do something."
That did it. Jasper shook his head with a quiet chuckle. "Fine. But don't expect this to go easy on you. You'll regret nagging me for this."
"Never," she grinned as a triumphant.
The clang of steel rang in the distance as Tessa stepped onto the imperial training grounds for the first time. Soldiers sparred in pairs, their blades flashing under the sun. The air smelled of sweat, iron, and discipline.
Alex, clad in his commander's uniform, stood tall and commanding. The moment he entered, the trainees straightened like strings pulled tight. "Lady Tessa.. just because his highness gave you permission, I'm allowing it..But you have to be careful. " " Captain Alex!" they greeted in unison, their voices thundering.
"And Lady Tessa," he added firmly, gesturing at her side. Murmurs rippled. Confusion. Curiosity. Some raised eyebrows.
Tessa met their stares head-on, lifting her chin. "I know I am new. I know I don't look like I belong here. But I am prepared to endure any hardship, no matter how painful. So long as I can wield a sword, I will prove myself."
" Everyone , she is the special guest of the imperial family. She will be practicing with all of us , so be careful. "
" Hello , I'm Tessa Malven. Good to make acquaintance with you all . Please help me when necessary. " Her words hung in the air like a challenge. Some soldiers blinked, impressed. Others scoffed under their breath.
" Let me bring you a wooden sword " Alex said .
"Interesting." A new voice cut through the crowd. Everyone made space for him . The voice was somehow familiar but his face made Tessa shocked. " Mr. Hun !."
" Lady Tessa , I told we will meet soon but I was not expecting you here ..you.."
" Greeting my lord , I came to learn sword. "
" That's a big comment . But do you have permission? "
" I do . His highness granted my request but lord Hun ....you here ... That's a surprise."
" Oh, I forget to tell you that I am the second commander of the imperial knights. After. Emperor, crown prince and captain Alex... I'm the authority here. Although I specially handle the basic core training for the rookies who wish to join the imperial knight order. "
Tessa was listening 😮. " Wow that's impressive my lord. Then I guess If I want to start I need to obey your instructions. "
" Lady Tessa, a knight core basic practice under me specifically is not easy ..and more of all you are ..."
" Lord Hun , I would appreciate if you see me as a rookie aspiring student who genuinely want to learn sword rather than a weak petite lady guest of imperial family. I swear that if anything occurs to me that will be my responsibility. "
" Ahh second commander Hun .. Good morning . "
" Good morning, captain. " Felix bowed a little with a smile.
" Commander she is"
" I know everything captain, please let all of us know how you plan to proceed with her. "
Everyone nodded and looked curious.
" Well as Lady Tessa is new I believe.."
" Sir Alex , please I want to take the basic training under Lord hun . I know it will be hard and new but I genuinely want to learn like a actual knight! "
Alex saw a fire in her eyes . A determind spirit which is unshaken. " My Lady, your highness would be angry if something happens to you..."
" Sir Alex, remember what you told me earlier when I came to see practice? You told me if I want then I can . "
" You are exactly like my sister...lady . Stubborn and unshakeable. Fine Commander Hun , lady will be in your unit then . "
" Yes captain. Lady Tessa this way . "
Tessa took the wooden sword from Alex as followed Felix . He was aloof in the ball but Tessa saw a serious version of him in the grounds. She did sit ups , running laps and other core strengthing excercises . The whole time Felix observed her carefully.
" Lady Tessa, it's enough for today. "
" But .....*pant pant * .. I .... I ..still have other excercises to do like them ...." Tessa sat on the ground while saying.
" You did quite well compared to your first day . And they are training under me for more than a month. Here water. " Felix gave her some water.
" Tha..nks ...*gulp gulp* ... I just realised how weak I am when it comes to this. "
" Have you ever done physical excercise like this before? "
" Nah .. I .. basically hate gymi. I mean physical exercises... I found them boring but I guess it's necessary. "
" You really did well. I'm quite impressed by your performance but don't over do . Remember consistency is the map . "
" Map ? I always say it's the key .. haha 😂. It's a new idea. "
" Key? I heard that first time . You are pretty unique. I never thought I would be seeing a lady in the training ground. "
" Why? Is there not a single lady in the order ? "
" No .. ladies don't find sword interesting. My sister also hates it . Well as there is no other lady , after your basic training completes , I will be your sparring partner . Other ones might not be able to match your pace. "
" Well that's individual differences. I always wished to learn sword.. because I wanted to be strong but .... Anyways I'm happy to learn it now. " Tessa smiled while gasping her air and asked , " I don't see his highness... Didn't he come to practice? "
" His highness don't need practice lady Tessa. He has the best sword skills in the whole empire. Me , captain we all respect him for that. I'm in the order for more than 6 years but doesn't matter how much I improve, he always shocks me with his extraordinary skills. He comes in the morning daily for practice. Right now I guess he is with the special unit. "
" Special unit? "
" Umm.. it supposed to be a secret but I guess you already know how hunters attacked last time . So his highness created a special unit consisting elite werewolf knights. They have a strong ability to smell the dark aura of black magic."
" That's a good decision I presume. Anyways if it's the end for then I bid farewell Lord.."
" Call me Felix. I suppose we are friends now .. or you can say comrades. "
Tessa smiled, " Sure 😃. Then call me Tessa too. Bye then . "
Felix also smiled and murmured , " let's see how much is your determination..Tessa. I will be waiting. "
...
Far away, in the shadows of a basement, the air thickened with a sinister presence. Body of some humans scattered here and there as sacrifices. The Master of the Hunters knelt, his voice low and reverent. Before him, a blackened altar pulsed faintly with demonic energy.
"My lord… grant me your guidance. Tell me what your mere servants could do ."
Kael next to the master, standing silently .. tried to look up but couldn't. The energy and environment was too suffocating to even breath. From the void, a voice slithered, cold and inhuman. The Demon Lord.
"There exists… a book," the voice hissed. "An ancient one hidden in this realm. Within its pages lies the path… the ritual that will restore me fully."
The Master's eyes gleamed. "A book? … tell me where, and it shall be yours."
"Find it," the voice thundered. "Search every ruin, every library, every secret vault. Bring it to me. Only then shall you rise with me—against them all."
The Master bowed lower, trembling with fervor. "It will be done. The hunters will scour the lands. The book will be mine… and your resurrection, inevitable."
The shadows deepened, curling like claws.
" I will be waiting. " The lord disappeared. Master coughed blood as soon as the conversation was over. Kael knelt down , " Master , you are not okay . Please take rest. "
" Kael, you know your purpose, right? You ... Know our purpose right? The traitors must be slaughtered. *Cough cough* .. find the book our lord said . Before my time ends I must awaken him . "
" But master....."
" Hesitation is not what I was expecting to see in you Kael. As the leader do your job ! Whoever comes in the way kill all. The book should be in my hand . " He coughed again while gasping air.
" I will. May hell follows the way he walks! "