The sun was slowly setting behind the palace towers, painting the sky with hues of fire and gold. The entire palace was on high alert; servants prepared the courtyard, and the guests, unaware of the tension, watched cautiously.
Noha sat on her balcony, her heart pounding uncontrollably. Fear gripped her, yet a sense of freedom and rebellion filled her chest. Arion had not left her side since he arrived yesterday, but he had been waiting for the right moment—and now, everything was about to be revealed.
In the courtyard, Sky stood, his white hair shining in the last rays of sunlight, his red eyes blazing with fury and anticipation. At the opposite end, Arion stood firmly, hand gripping his sword, golden eyes fixed on the goal: Noha's heart.
Sky raised his voice proudly: "Today, you will know what true power and duty mean. There will be no excuses, Arion. The winner takes what he desires!"
Arion replied, calm but firm: "Power is not in gold or blood, Sky. True strength lies in protecting the one you love, and being loyal to your heart."
Sky stepped forward, sword gleaming. Arion mirrored his step, eyes locked in challenge. Both knew this duel was not just about swords—it was a battle of hearts and emotions.
Noha smiled, both shyly and bravely, feeling her heart follow every movement. She saw courage and determination in Arion's eyes, and both determination and danger in Sky's. She realized that every moment, every glance, could determine her fate.
The duel began. Swords clashed with sharp, echoing sounds across the courtyard. Every strike was full of power and skill, and every glance exchanged between Arion and Sky carried challenge and jealousy.
At times, Noha felt fear, but she witnessed Arion's bravery, a courage she had never seen in any other man. Her heart beat faster with every blow, every step, every block. She felt as if she were participating in the duel herself.
After minutes of relentless combat, both men paused to catch their breath. The sun was nearly set, the sky ablaze with colors, as if the entire world bore witness to this decisive moment.
Sky glared at Arion and said sharply: "I will not yield, and I will not allow anyone to take what I want!"
Arion smiled, tired yet unwavering: "True strength is not in imposing control, Sky… it is in love and loyalty to the one who chooses your heart. Everything else is empty."
Noha felt warmth flood her heart—a sense of freedom and rebellion. Every chain, every fear, every duty seemed meaningless before the truth her heart had chosen.
In that moment, both men realized something vital: this duel was not merely a fight with swords—it was a battle for the heart, one that neither lies nor power could ever win.
The sky burned with red and orange, the courtyard alight with tension, and Noha stood above, knowing that her heart had already made its choice—and that every strike, every movement in the duel, would change everything forever.