The Garnet Tower’s Grand Hall was a spectacle of opulence and authority. Vaulted ceilings soared overhead, adorned with intricate mosaics depicting legendary mages and historic alliances. Banners of allied kingdoms hung proudly along the walls, their colors vibrant under the glow of enchanted chandeliers.

At the grand crescent-shaped table sat the most influential figures of the allied nations. Queen Sylvara of Avarion, draped in elegant robes of silver and sapphire, commanded attention with her regal poise. Beside her sat Duke Alistair Valeran, a stern man with sharp features and an air of calculated precision. Next to him was his son, Caius Valeran, a young nobleman with chiseled features, icy blue eyes, and an expression of mild disdain.

The murmurs of whispered conversations hushed as Sylvara rose to speak. "Esteemed representatives," she began, her voice smooth yet authoritative, "we convene today at a pivotal moment in our shared history. The stability of our realms depends on the strength of our alliances."

Her gaze swept over the assembly, lingering briefly on Lirien and then on Ayo, who sat among the student representatives in the upper gallery. "Recent events within the academy have raised concerns that must be addressed. It is imperative that we ensure our future leaders are fit to uphold the responsibilities that will be entrusted to them."

Ayo felt a chill as Sylvara's eyes met his. His shadows flickered subtly at his feet, a silent echo of his unease. Lirien, seated beside him, clenched her jaw, her emerald eyes narrowing.

Sylvara continued, "To fortify our bonds, I propose a union between Avarion and Ardencrest. My daughter, Lirien Veyra, will be betrothed to Caius Valeran, heir to the Valeran duchy—a family of esteemed lineage and unwavering loyalty."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the hall. Caius smirked confidently, glancing up at Lirien with a possessive gleam in his eyes. Duke Alistair nodded approvingly, his expression one of calculated satisfaction.

Lirien shot to her feet, her voice slicing through the murmurs. "You can't be serious!"

Sylvara's gaze hardened. "Sit down, Lirien. This is not a matter for debate."

Before Lirien could retort, Ayo stood abruptly, his shadows flaring slightly around his feet. "Is this about consolidating power, Queen Sylvara?" he asked, his voice resonating through the hall.

All eyes turned to him. Shocked whispers spread like wildfire. Caius raised an eyebrow, a sneer forming on his lips. "And who are you to question the queen?" he drawled.

Ayo ignored him, his gaze locked onto Sylvara. "If power is your concern, I'll face any challenger here to prove my worth."

The hall erupted in disbelief. Ren leaned over to Eike, whispering, "He's really doing it this time."

Sylvara's lips curved into a cold smile. "Bold words from someone of... humble origins."

Caius rose slowly, his movements deliberate. "You dare challenge us? A commoner playing at heroics?"

Ayo met Caius's icy stare without flinching. "Status doesn't determine ability. Actions do."

The tension escalated as Caius took a step forward. "Care to test that theory?"

Before the situation could spiral further, a sharp sound echoed as Caelith slammed his hand on the table. Rising to his feet, his golden eyes blazed with uncharacteristic fury. "Enough!"

The hall fell silent. Caelith's voice carried a weight that demanded obedience. "This summit is a place for diplomacy, not petty squabbles. Ayo, sit down."

Ayo hesitated, his shadows receding as he clenched his fists. Reluctantly, he returned to his seat. Caius smirked smugly before resuming his place beside his father.

Sylvara seized the moment. "You see? Reckless, impulsive—a boy who lacks the discipline required of a leader."

Caelith took a deep breath, regaining his composure. "Queen Sylvara, your concerns are noted. However, let us not forget that Ayo Solara has accomplished feats none have achieved in centuries. Retrieving the Garnet Sigil is no small matter."

Duke Alistair interjected, his tone condescending. "A fluke, perhaps. Luck favors the foolish on occasion."

Murmurs of agreement echoed among some of the nobles. Sylvara inclined her head toward Alistair. "Well said, Duke Valeran."

Caelith's gaze sharpened. "Luck had little to do with it. It was his skill, determination, and innate connection to the shadows that led to his success. Qualities that are invaluable."

Caius scoffed. "And yet, shadows are treacherous. They conceal, they deceive. Hardly the traits of a noble leader."

Ayo's jaw tightened, but he remained seated, a silent storm brewing within him.

Caelith continued, undeterred. "That is why I intend to adopt Ayo into the royal family of Ardencrest."

Gasps and exclamations erupted throughout the hall. Sylvara's eyes widened ever so slightly before narrowing into a glare. "You cannot be serious."

Duke Alistair's expression darkened. "This is an affront to all noble lineages. You would dilute royal blood with that of a commoner?"

Caelith faced them calmly. "Nobility is defined by one's actions, not just by birth. Ayo has demonstrated the virtues we hold in the highest regard."

Sylvara's voice turned icy. "You risk destabilizing the very foundations of our alliances with this... impulsive decision."

Caelith met her gaze steadily. "On the contrary, I believe this strengthens them. It shows that we value merit and courage above all."

Caius sneered. "Or perhaps you're simply desperate to fill the void of an heir."

A palpable tension filled the room. Caelith's eyes flickered with restrained anger, but he maintained his composure. "My decisions are made with the future of Ardencrest in mind."

The bell chimed softly, signaling the recess. Nobles broke into smaller groups, their voices hushed but urgent, while others moved toward the side tables where refreshments were served. The squad found a quieter corner of the courtyard adjacent to the Grand Hall, its manicured hedges and softly glowing lanterns providing some respite from the charged atmosphere.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Ren leaned casually against a marble pillar, his arms crossed. “Well, that was… something.”

“Something reckless,” Tessa snapped, pacing in front of them. “Ayo, what were you thinking? Challenging nobles? Interrupting a summit?”

Ayo rubbed the back of his neck, his shadows flickering faintly. “I wasn’t going to just sit there and let them talk about me like I wasn’t even in the room.”

Lirien smirked, leaning her lance against the pillar beside Ren. “I, for one, enjoyed it. Someone needed to knock them off their high horses.”

Tessa glared at her. “You’re not helping.”

Eike stepped forward, his golden eyes serious. “Lirien’s not wrong, but Tessa has a point. Sylvara and the Valerans aren’t playing fair, Ayo. They’re setting traps, and you walked right into one.”

“I know,” Ayo muttered, his shadows curling tighter around his feet. “But what was I supposed to do? Stay quiet and let them keep tearing me down?”

Ren shrugged. “Honestly? Yeah, maybe. You’ve got nothing to prove to them.”

Tessa sighed, crossing her arms. “The problem is, now Sylvara’s going to use this against you. She’s not the type to let a challenge slide.”

Before anyone could respond, a slow, mocking clap echoed through the courtyard. Caius Valeran emerged from the shadows, a smug grin plastered across his chiseled face. His icy blue eyes flicked between the group, lingering on Lirien with unsettling intensity.

“Well, well,” Caius drawled, his tone dripping with condescension. “If it isn’t the great Ayo Solara, savior of the Garnet Sigil and master of shadows. Truly inspiring.”

Ayo’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Lirien stepped forward, her posture tense. “What do you want, Caius?”

Caius’s smirk widened, his voice dripping with condescension. “Ah, Lirien, ever the devoted companion. It’s almost admirable—standing by a commoner who fancies himself a savior. Tell me, is this loyalty, or are you just keeping the seat warm for someone who actually belongs at your side?”

Ren’s fists clenched, but Lirien was quicker. She stepped closer to Caius, her emerald eyes blazing. “Say that again, and I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Caius chuckled, unfazed. “Fiery as ever. Don’t worry, my dear. Once this farce is over, you’ll see where you truly belong.”

Ayo took a step forward, his shadows flaring. “Get out of here, Caius.”

Caius raised his hands in mock surrender. “Touchy, aren’t we? Fine, fine. Enjoy your little moment of camaraderie while it lasts.”

He turned and sauntered away, but not before casting one last smirk over his shoulder. “See you soon, Solara.”

The group stood in tense silence for a moment before Ren muttered, “I hate that guy.”

“You’re not alone,” Lirien growled, her knuckles white around her lance.

Eike placed a hand on Ayo’s shoulder. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s all talk.”

Ayo nodded, though his shadows told a different story, twisting and writhing in agitation.

The soft chiming of the recess bell echoed faintly as Caelith gestured for Ayo to follow him. They stepped out onto a secluded balcony overlooking the academy’s sprawling grounds, the moonlight casting long shadows across the balustrade. The cool night air was a stark contrast to the heated tension inside.

Caelith leaned on the edge, his golden eyes scanning the horizon. “You put me in a difficult position today,” he began, his tone calm but tinged with disappointment.

Ayo stood a few feet away, his arms crossed as his shadows flickered faintly at his feet. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” he said, his voice defensive. “But I couldn’t just sit there and let them talk about me like I wasn’t even there.”

Caelith turned to face him, his gaze steady but firm. “And what did that accomplish? You let your emotions get the better of you and gave Sylvara exactly what she wanted—a reason to discredit you.”

Ayo’s jaw tightened. “So, what? I should’ve stayed silent and let her win?”

“No,” Caelith replied, his voice softening. “But there’s a difference between standing your ground and acting recklessly. Sylvara isn’t just another opponent you can outmatch with strength or shadow magic. She’s playing a much larger game.”

Ayo looked away, frustration evident in the way his shadows coiled and twisted around his feet. “I’m not good at games.”

“You’ll need to learn,” Caelith said simply. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before continuing. “That’s part of why I want to adopt you.”

Ayo blinked, taken aback by the directness of the statement. “You’re serious about that?”

Caelith nodded. “I am. This isn’t just about politics, Ayo. It’s about giving you a chance to define your own path. You’ve already proven your strength and courage, but there’s more to leadership than power. You need guidance, protection, and—most importantly—legitimacy.”

Ayo frowned, his shadows flickering uncertainly. “Legitimacy? You mean because I’m just some orphan with no noble blood?”

Caelith’s gaze softened. “I mean because the world we live in doesn’t value people for their actions alone. Titles, lineage, and alliances—they matter. And if I can give you those things, I will.”

Ayo’s shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of the conversation settling over him. “Even with my shadow magic? Even after everything?”

“Especially because of it,” Caelith said firmly. “Your connection to the shadows is a gift, one that could help us face challenges we can’t even imagine yet. But it’s also a burden, and I won’t pretend otherwise. You’ll need to master it, to prove to others—and to yourself—that it doesn’t control you.”

“And what if I fail?” Ayo asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You won’t,” Caelith replied, placing a hand on Ayo’s shoulder. “Because you have the strength to rise above your doubts. And because you won’t be alone.”

Ayo looked up, meeting Caelith’s gaze. “You really think I can do this?”

“I do,” Caelith said with a small smile. “But the choice is yours. Take the time to think it over.”

Ayo nodded, the flickering of his shadows slowing as his resolve steadied. “I’ll think about it.”

The recess ended, and the nobles returned to the Grand Hall, their conversations subdued but no less charged. The tension was palpable as the attendees settled back into their seats. Queen Sylvara rose gracefully, her icy demeanor commanding silence.

“I have given considerable thought to the matters at hand,” she began, her voice smooth but laced with an undercurrent of steel. “And it is clear that words alone will not resolve the questions surrounding Ayo Solara’s worthiness or the future of our alliances.”

Her gaze swept the room before landing squarely on Ayo, her piercing stare sending a chill through the air. “Therefore, I propose a solution—a duel. A test of strength, skill, and character.”

Murmurs rippled through the hall, growing louder as Sylvara continued. “Ayo Solara will face Caius Valeran in the depths of the Shadowspire Woods, where both combatants may utilize their abilities to their fullest.”

Caius stood, his smug smile growing wider. “It would be my honor to defend my family’s name—and, of course, to remind everyone of the natural order of things.”

Sylvara’s tone turned even colder as she delivered the final blow. “This will not be a mere sparring match. It will be a duel to the death. If Ayo falls, his rise will end here. If Caius falls, I will withdraw my objections and allow Ayo and Lirien to pursue their paths without interference.”

The room erupted into chaos. Tessa shot to her feet, her voice trembling with outrage. “That’s barbaric! You can’t just decide people’s lives like this!”

Ren slammed his fist on the table, his golden eyes blazing. “You’re talking about murder, not a duel!”

Lirien stood, fury radiating from her. “This is insane! You’re willing to kill your own daughter’s teammate just to prove a point?”

Sylvara didn’t even glance at her daughter. “It was Ayo himself who spoke of proving his worth. I am merely granting him the opportunity.”

Caelith rose sharply, his golden eyes blazing with fury. “Queen Sylvara, this is highly irregular and entirely unacceptable. The academy does not condone settling disputes through bloodshed.”

Duke Alistair Valeran interjected smoothly, his tone dripping with condescension. “On the contrary, it is an age-old tradition to resolve matters of honor through combat. Unless, of course, the boy wishes to retract his earlier bravado.”

Caius smirked, stepping forward. “I’d be more than happy to demonstrate the difference between a noble and a shadow-playing orphan.”

Ayo stood slowly, his shadows swirling tightly around him. His voice was calm but carried an edge of defiance. “I accept.”

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling like a stone.

Caelith turned to Ayo, his voice low and urgent. “Ayo, think about what you’re doing. This isn’t just about you—it’s about all of us.”

Ayo met his gaze steadily. “I’ve thought about it. I won’t back down.”

Sylvara’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. “Then it is settled. The duel will take place at dawn in two days. May the best man win.”

As the attendees began to disperse, the squad remained frozen, their expressions a mixture of shock, anger, and concern. Lirien turned to Ayo, her voice sharp. “Do you have any idea what you just agreed to?”

Ayo shrugged, his shadows flickering around his feet. “I said I’d prove myself. This is how I do it.”

Lirien’s eyes softened slightly, though her frustration remained. “You’re an idiot.”

“Probably,” Ayo replied with a faint grin. “But I’m your idiot.”