Selerim’s feet landed on the earth with a dull thud. The gathered villagers fanned out, circling him and Levin as they stepped away from the dais. Corvus stood just in front of them. “Douse the torches.” The dim firelight went out completely. Selerim freed his weapon as he circled the other boy wearily.

Two years older, Levin stood slightly taller. His shoulders were broader than Selerim’s, but slimmer than Verad’s. His sword, too, was longer and wider, and a small round shield was strapped to his other arm.

Corvus looked between the two hunters. “Remember,” he started, “no killing or maiming. You two are experienced. I expect both of you to remain in control of yourselves at all times. Should you cause permanent damage or lasting harm, you forfeit your right to Feast.” He let his words sink in. “Are you ready?” Selerim and Levin both nodded. “Then begin.”

The moment Corvus stepped away, Selerim wound his arm back– and threw his dagger straight at Levin. Sparks flew as the older boy brought his buckler up to block. Selerim gripped the chain in his other hand and pulled back, catching the blade as it jumped back towards him.

Levin peered at him over the shield’s edge. “I really hate that weapon of yours. Selerim suppressed a smile as the silver-haired boy dashed towards him. Levin kept the shield between them as he approached until the very last moment, carving an overhead stroke with his weapon.

Selerim tightened his grip. He raised both hands to catch it, wrapping the chainlinks around the sword as they collided. Levin reacted instantly. Shifting his weight back, he pivoted on his backfoot. The blade slid free. Following the motion through, he spun– exposing his back for the briefest of moments– and brought up his elbow to strike at Selerim’s head with the pommel.

Selerim took a step back to avoid the strike. Levin pivoted on his other foot, letting the momentum carry him and driving the buckler towards Selerim’s torso. Instead of sidestepping, Selerim brought both hands down. He twisted his hips as he wrapped the chain around Layvin’s wrist, kicking at him as the shield crashed into his ribs. Even as he let the force of the blow carry him back, there was an audible crack.

Gritting his teeth, Selerim pulled both hands in opposite directions, tightening the chain around the older boy’s wrist. His kick connected with Levin’s side at the same time, knocking him to the side. Levin shouted in pain as he wriggled his hand free of the leather strap. He jumped back, tentatively shaking his hand.

“You’ve gotten faster,” Selerim said appreciatively as he wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth. Levin’s look turned incredulous. “You’re one to talk!” He shook his hand– angrily, this time. “You nearly broke my wrist!” Selerim shrugged and kicked the fallen shield away. “Had to get this thing away from you somehow.”

Levin’s eyes narrowed as he adjusted his stance, holding his sword higher and gripping it with both hands. The ground trembled as the crowd took a step towards them, and then fell still. For a moment, Selerim’s breath fell into rhythm with Levin’s– only to be broken as the older boy struck.

Selerim met him halfway, falling under a horizontal strike and stabbing upwards as he rose. Rather than dodge, Levin brought one elbow down on Selerim’s hand, pushing the strike down and causing the dagger to sail harmlessly under his armpit. He brought his sword up for another slash as he did so.

Thrown off balance, Selerim let himself fall. He planted one hand as far back as he could, straightening his back as he fell forward. Levin’s grunt of surprise colored with pain as Selerim’s boot collided with his head. He stumbled back, disoriented. Anger flashed in the older boy’s dark blue eyes and he struck yet again, just as Selerim raised himself to one knee.

Selerim stayed down and raised his hands. The sound of clashing metal rose as he caught Levin’s weapon in his own, guiding it past his neck. He rose to both feet and pushed forward as Levin lost his footing, sliding the chain past his hand and wrist.

Turning his body, Selerim felt the older boy slam into his back. He bent at the waist as they crashed into one another, taking advantage of Levin’s momentum to send him flying. As he threw him, Selerim pulled. Levin’s sword clattered to the ground as the chain violently caught his shoulder, slamming him face first into the ground. Selerim planted one knee on his back.

Both of them stayed there, panting, until Corvus’ voice cut through their battle haze. “Enough! Selerim is the victor.” Selerim grinned, removing his knee and offering the other boy a hand. He took it hesitantly.

“I really thought I had you,” Levin admitted, wincing as he rubbed his injured shoulder. Selerim’s grin widened. “You can thank Senri for knocking me to the ground every chance she gets.”

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“Ahem!’ Both hunters turned to see Corvus approaching them. “I trust you have no issues?” He asked Levin. The silver-haired boy shook his head. “None.” He bowed to both the village head and Selerim before retrieving his weapon and fading back into the crowd. Selerim, for his part, jumped back on the dais as Corvus spoke, trying to ignore the pain flaring from his ribcage.

“Are there any others who wish to challenge Selerim for his place?” Selerim sighed in relief as the question was met with silence. Corvus turned towards him, a slight smile on his lips. “Then let’s get started. Now,” he said, turning towards Senri, Verad, and Saya. His voice was stern.

“I’ve allowed you three to be here because Selerim’s family is currently absent. But no matter what, no matter how much pain he’s in, you must not touch him. Do you understand?” they all nodded in unison.

“Are you all done with your little show?” A new voice cut in. It was Sita. Her white-grey hair was pulled into a small bun, and though age had worn her features, it had done nothing to dull her brilliant blue eyes. “Because if you are, I’d like to get started. I’d rather not be up all night.”

Corvus laughed. “Ask the boy, not me.” Sita glared at him. Selerim bowed slightly, interjecting before either of them could get another word in. “I’m ready.” Sita sighed.l. “Another hour, and you would’ve been too late.” She glanced around. “The torches are already out, so let’s not waste any more time.” She fished something out of her pocket. “Take this.”

It was a small vial, filled with… something. There was no weight, no color or substance, just pure white light. Selerim’s fingers tingled as they closed around the smooth glass.“Give me your other hand.” He did so. Sita removed the stopper before gripping his hand in one of her own and pulling a small scalpel from her pocket. She pressed it to Selerim’s hand. It was cold against his skin. “May I?”

Selerim nodded, and Sita dragged the scalpel across his palm. Selerim flinched back at the sensation of his skin parting, but Sita’s grip was strong. “Into the vial. Quickly, now.”

Selerim hesitated, but followed her instructions.

The light changed as his blood mixed with it. It darkened, first, and as more blood spilled forth, it began to change form, becoming something more real. By the time Selerim’s bleeding stopped, the vial was filled with liquid shadow. Sita took it from him and replaced the stopper. “It will take a moment to bond with your blood.” She shook it vigorously, then handed it back to him. “Drink it all at once.”

Selerim looked at the vial for a moment. Then, before he could lose his nerve, he removed the cork, brought it to his lips, and tipped his head back. It was nearly tasteless– save for a slight hint of metal, no doubt from his own blood.

For a moment, nothing happened. And then the vial slipped from his fingers as pain burst forth. It was worse than anything he’d experienced before, lighting his veins while scouring his bones. Selerim took a breath, then choked as liquid pain filled his lungs. The seconds seemed to stretch into minutes, and then hours, until the blissful darkness reached for him. He embraced it.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

It took every bit of Senri’s willpower to keep from rushing to Selerim’s side as he fell. She’d seen him bitten, cut, stabbed, poisoned, burned, even electrocuted– but never before had she seen him in such pure agony.

Selerim’s body convulsed as he fell to the ground. His hands clutched uselessly against his chest as he audibly choked. Senri reached for one of the daggers at her hip, though she knew it was useless. Another set of trembling fingers closed over her own.

Looking down, she saw Saya shake her head almost imperceptibly. Don’t, she mouthed. Both sisters tensed as Selerim’s head smacked against the dais. To the side, Verad stiffened.

Seeing this, Corvus placed one hand placatingly on his grandson’s shoulder. The village leader shook his head as Verad looked up, whispering something that neither of them could catch. Senri felt Saya’s fingers tighten over her own. See?

It was moments like this that made her wonder which of them was really the older sister.

image [https://i.imgur.com/T7fdvjj.png]

When he opened his eyes, the first thing that Selerim saw was Senri’s look of concern. “Are you alright?” She asked softly. He wordlessly pushed himself up with both hands. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been out, but both palms were covered in splinters. Senri knelt at Selerim’s side, and he felt one of her hands clasp his own. “Are you alright?” She asked again. He nodded. “How long–”

“Selerim,” Corvus interjected. The ceremony is complete. Do you understand what that means?” His voice was unusually brusque.

“I…” Dizziness rushed through Selerim’s head as he spoke. “Yes. I understand.” Corvus’ tone grew harsh. “Then begone.” Selerim felt Senri’s grip tighten. He squeezed her hand firmly before standing,

“I understand.”

“Then begone. If you fail to return, the scar on your soul will rend it through.” Corvus’ voice was emotionless. Matter-of-fact. Selerim swallowed and bowed deeply. “I will return.”