Samael and Lilith could not utter a single word, as they simply allowed themselves to melt into each other's embrace.

All the years of longing, pain, and guilt were slowly burning away like a lit candle, easing their yearning hearts.

It was surreal. It was unbelievable. They still find it hard to believe that this is it. This is the reality they're facing. Once again, they're together.

After so many years of enduring and keeping their faith strong, they can finally let go now.

Now, everything felt right. Everything felt in place. No more hardships, fear, and uncertainty. Just... them.

Allowing themselves to enjoy the warmth, Lilith snuggled deeper into Samael's chest as the boy rested his face on her neck.

Even after so long, the scent Lilith exuded was the same. It was sweet, calming, and soothing. The only thing Samael has never forgotten, even once.

Even after so long, the warmth Samael excluded never wavered. That same heat, full of care and love, never changed.

Unsure at first, Samael allowed himself to be greedy as he caressed Lilith's head, feeling the intensity of her emotions as she quietly sobbed.

Yet again, he made her cry.

"I'm back," Samael muttered.

Hearing this, Lilith slowly stepped back as she raised her head, meeting Samael's gaze as she gave out the sweetest smile she could muster.

"Welcome back," she whispered back.

Samael felt the weight on his shoulders vanish as the world felt brighter and slowed.

Lilith was simply... Beautiful.

"You're as beautiful as the day I first saw you," Samael uttered subconsciously as he swept aside the strands of hair on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin in his. Oh, how he wishes he could stay in this moment forever.

Lilith's gaze narrowed as she held Samael's hand, absorbing the heat of his emotions that she had yearned for so long.

It was there now. It's hers now. There was no use holding back.

Meanwhile, the nobles watching could not help but watch in awe, jealousy, envy, and curiosity at the scene unfolding before them.

The Maiden of Roses, Lilith Flamebright, the hottest topic and most wanted woman in the sanctuary, has outright rejected Eric Donovan's marriage proposal and even hugged a man they've never seen before.

If this wasn't the most controversial thing they've witnessed, they don't know what else there is.

Whispers and murmurs echoed in the crowd as Eric Donovan kneeled there, frozen in place as Lilith's rejection kept repeating in his mind.

Seeing this, the musicians were swiftly ordered to play the songs in their queue to change the atmosphere.

As the slow romantic music danced in the air, some of the nobles decided not to get involved as they asked for the hands of their ladies.

Noticing this, Samael swiftly lowered his head as he extended his hands forward, causing Lilith's cheeks to flush red.

"May I have this dance?" Samael asked.

Feeling her heart wildly thunder in her chest, Lilith held the boy's hands as he took the lead and dragged her into the centre.

Grasping her hands in his, Samael held her waist as she did his shoulder.

As the music flowed elegantly, Samael went ahead as he swayed with the rhythm, leading Lilith every step of the way, all while his gaze locked to hers.

Lilith, allowing herself to enjoy the moment, let herself be lost in Samael's crimson eyes. Like a whirlpool slowly dragging her in, and she can't help but love every moment of it.

As they danced to the song, the other nobles watching could not help but observe the two in earnest.

Each step they took, each sway they made, and every gesture that came from them was a sigh to behold. To have so much elegance, love, and emotion without even uttering a word. How could something like that exist? Yet, it was before them.

Eventually, only the two were left dancing in their own worlds, lost in each other's desire for more.

They were so eager to bring back the years of separation. So eager.

As the music ended, it was replaced by a soft and slow humming of the instruments, prompting Samael to hold the girl by the waist as he hugged her, planting his face in her neck.

Lilith trembled in the boys hands as she felt the overwhelming stream of emotion and pure raw desire he had for her.

As she expected, it was different. It was so... pure. So... intoxicating.

Drunk in his greed, Lilith rested her face on Samael's neck, taking a large whiff as she embedded his scent in her memory.

As they slowly danced in the middle of the palace, Lilith's wings slowly unfolded, revealing a majestic and breathtaking sigh as she enveloped Samael.

Watching the scene from afar, Ajax could not help but form a small, imperceptible smile.

Finally, after such a long time, he saw the real Samael again. The kid who is full of passion and determination.

The endless bloodshed they faced only dulled him. It made him colder and more open to violence.

Being watchers, their job was to kill monsters. But killing wasn't the hardest and most scary part; it was getting used to it. And Samael had gotten too used to it.

Seeing him so... in love and lost, it was refreshing. A true change of pace for their lives. He deserved every moment of it.

"Sir Ajax, if I may ask, he is your disciple, is he not?" A voice asked, one of whom Ajax knew well.

"Thaesir Kyros Donovan. Yes, he is my disciple," Ajax confirmed as he shot a look at a man with a finely kept red beard and hulking frame.

He carried himself with confidence and a sense of authority that no one could refute. But Ajax was unaffected.

"Is that so?" Kyros said as he watched the events below them.

"My son, Eric, has never been so interested in one person, nor has he lost to anyone," Kyros said.

Ajax remained silent as he watched the Thaesir heir rise up slowly, his hands forming a fist.

"You see, honour for a noble is... everything. It is our very essence. The one thing we can never let others trample on," Kyros said.

Eric slowly shifted his gaze towards the two, his face contorting.

"What do you think will happen if a noble's honour is challenged by someone... lesser?" Kyros asked.

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However, Ajax did not even budge.

"He will challenge him in Axart," he said.

"As expected from the heir of an Azureborn, you're quite knowledgeable in the ancient ways," Kyros praised, but Ajax wasn't done yet.

"...But if you think I'll beg and ask for your son's mercy, you're mistaken," Ajax resumed, prompting the Thaesir's eyes to narrow down ever so slightly.

"What are you...?" Kyros's words were halted as he watched Eric slowly approach the two.

Eric's mind was in chaos as anger, shame, and jealousy clouded his rationale. Lilith was a woman of high birth. She was beautiful beyond belief, as powerful as any of the Thaesir families, and had a brighter future than anyone else. She was perfect!

Eric has done everything in his power to woo her. He has given her flowers, letters, jewellery, and even rare remnants! Yet, she still refuses him.

What did he lack? He was handsome, rich, influential, and backed by strong people! Marrying him was equivalent to sealing the biggest deal in history!

But not only did she blatantly refuse him, she even discarded him without a second thought as she hugged a man he had never even seen or heard before!

Nerves bulged in Eric's face as he felt his blood boil. He could not accept this. This has tarnished his reputation and honour.

"YOU!" Eric roared, luring everyone's attention as he pointed at Samael with hostility brimming in his pupils.

Snatching his mask off, he threw it in front of him as he spoke.

Offended by this, Lilith stepped forward.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asked, her cold voice sending chills down everyone's spines.

Seeing her like this, Eric could not help but feel a sharp ache in his heart. His pride was not only stepped on but now shattered.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you protecting him?" Eric asked.

"You know! You know I've always liked you. I did everything for you! I gave you the best of what I could give!" Eric said.

"But when you came! Everything's ruined!" Eric snarled at Samael. Yet Samael did not even flinch.

Lilith felt her anger strike the ceiling, but remembering Eric's position, she could not help but feel worried for Samael.

"Have you no shame? I never asked for any of your gifts. I have rejected your proposal time and time again. Leave him out of this," Lilith said.

"Leave him out of this? How? When he caused all of this mess?! You're perfect, Lilith! Too perfect! You don't deserve someone like him!" Eric answered back.

"You don't dictate who I deserve," Lilith fired back, her anger starting to seep through.

"You—ugh! You don't see what I see! You have such a bright future! What you're doing isn't going to help you!" Eric said in frustration as he stepped closer.

"I choose who I wish to choose. If he's not better for me, then who is? You?" Lilith asked.

"Yes! You can be one of the most influential women in the sanctuary! You can have all the riches you want!" Eric roared.

"We're supposed to be the perfect couple!" Eric said. But his face paled when Lilith's face contorted as she grimaced.

"You're delusional, Eric," Lilith said in pure disgust as the mere thought of marrying and having kids with him sent a shiver down her spine.

Eric's face flushed red in rage as he could not contain his anger anymore.

"YOU'VE TRAMPLED IN MY HONOUR AS A NOBLE! I CHALLENGE YOU TO AN AXART!" Eric roared, veins squirming in his neck.

The nobles gasped as their murmurs filled the palace, with the tension rising each and every second.

The other Thaesir heirs simply watched by the side, curiosity and intrigue present in their eyes. It was not everyday that an axart happened, much less to a Thaesir heir. With this opportunity, they can gather information about the strength of their rivals.

"No!" Lilith refuted, but Samael held her shoulders gently.

"Do you even know what an axart is?" Eric mocked as he shot a glare at Samael. However, the latter simply ignored his taunts.

"Keep calm, Lilith," Samael soothed the girl. Seeing her in distress was not an expression he hoped to witness on the first day of their meeting.

"But this is an axart!" She said, worry visible in her visage.

That's right... She doesn't know of my accomplishments these past few years. To her, I'm just a human. Nothing more and nothing less, Samael thought as a small smirk made its way to his face. It looks like it's time to show the fruit of his labour.

Ruffling her hair, Samael went forward.

"I know what an axart is," he said, his tone cool and relaxed.

"Don't think that knowing what an axart is will allow you to be part of this society," Eric snarled.

"If an axart is what you want, then arm yourself," Samael said, prompting the crowd to gasp.

"Me? Arm myself against some mundane bastard?" Eric said.

"How vulgar—," Lilith said when she saw Samael's carefree posture.

"This is my last warning. Arm. yourself," Samael warned for the last time, his voice growing deeper.

Eric grinded his teeth as he felt humiliated by Samael's calmness. Was he not aware of the dangers of an Axart?

An axart was an ancient noble law where one could challenge another in a duel to regain someone else's honor. This battle cannot be interrupted or avoided, as it will automatically mean you have lost, and the winner may take whatever he wishes. Any form of resistance will be branded as treason of the highest order.

As such, an axart is a battle not only for your honour but for your life. Both parties would rather die than lose everything.

There is only one rule in Axart. No one else shall interfere. Weapons, elements, and even remnants are allowed. But any outside interference will automatically call for a faction war.

"You arrogant bastard!" Eric barked as he lunged forward, his fist glowing bright red with a hint of blue as flames erupted from his knuckles, enveloping his forearm.

As he closed the distance with ease, Lilith felt her heart stop. But her worries were futile as a voice echoed in the palace.

"I have warned you."

A loud explosion thundered in the ball, causing the Nobles to scream in fear as they backed away.

Watching intently as the smoke faded, what they witnessed made their jaws drop.

Eric had a wide smile on his face when he felt his attack connect solidly. But his smirk was soon wiped away as his blood went cold.

Samael stood there, unfazed, his finger stretched forward, halting Eric's attack in place.

"Was that the best you could do?" Samael asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Lilith, too, was surprised beyond belief as she watched Samael stop the ferocious attack with just a finger. But not just any attack—the famous scarlet fist of the Donovan clan!

Kyros Donovan's face warped in surprise and disbelief as he watched the spectacle unfold.

He clearly saw the events that transpired. From the moment Eric shifted his stance to the transfer of power in his fist, But what really surprised him was how Samael reacted to it.

Most nobles he's seen fight Eric would have a trace of anxiety and urgency. But him...? He waited for it. He watched it. Every single moment of it.

He saw it coming from miles away.

"If you think begging for my disciples mercy will spare your son a world of suffering, don't even try," Ajax said, causing the Thaesir to seep out a little of his bloodlust.

The other nobles murmured in disbelief as they watched Eric hastily step back. They know Eric isn't weak. He's fought in many competitions and won most. Even the other Thaesir heirs know that. Which means he either went easy... or Samael was simply too strong.

"If that's all you have, my turn," Samael said before he strode forward.

"S-stay back!" Eric roared, fear evident in his face as he slammed his palm down.

Seeing this, the other nobles screamed in terror. Even Kyros flinched as he shouted. "NO! BOY—" but it was too late.

"Crimson Surge!"

A wave of flames erupted from his hands, extending outward and devouring everything it came across.

Packed with people, the nobles could not leave in time as the flames slowly inched towards them.

Seeing this, Samael spoke.

"That's enough."

"Void Cleave."

Like an illusion, the burst of fire came to a halt as Eric's eyes widened. Looking at his severed hands, he trembled.

Kyros's face morphed as he tried to jump forward, but Ajax swiftly held his shoulder, keeping him in place.

"This. is. an. axart," Ajax reminded the man.

"Or do you wish to go to war with the Watchers Guild?" he asked.

Watching the blood spurt from his wrist like a fountain, a loud wail of agony escaped Eric's lips.

"ARGHHHHHHH!!!" he screamed as he flailed around frantically.

Tears, snot, and sweat riddled his face as he called for help.

"DOCTORS! WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE HEALERS?!" he screamed. But to avail.

This was an axart. No one was helping him. No one. He should have known of this when he challenged Samael.

Crawling on the ground, Eric stumbled back as he hit something. Looking up, his face paled as he saw Samael.

Staring at the man coldly, Samael grasped his hair as he whispered in his ear. "This is an axart. No one is helping you."

Eric's face fell as he cried, dropping to his knees. He hugged Samael's feet and begged.

"Please! Don't kill me! I'll do anything! What do you want?! Money? Power? I'll give you anything!" He pleaded in a mess.

However, Samael's gaze remained sharp and cold as he stared at the pathetic Thaesir heir.

"So this is the extent of your power? Pathetic," Samael mocked, prompting the nobles to cower in shame.

While they were here, enjoying their parties and riches, he was out there, fighting for what's right and what remains.

"As per the rules of an axart, this duel is over," Samael said.

Hearing this, a smile made its way to Eric's face as he shifted his gaze up. But what he saw was not Samael's face but the soles of his boot.

"Now, sleep," Samael said as he crashed his foot into the man's face, smashing him down against the smooth tiles and burying his head in them.

Kyros boiled in rage as his figure vanished, prompting Ajax to curse internally.

Appearing inches from Samael, the man raised his hand as he threw a strike forward, his fist crimson in colour.

However, a large, thunderous explosion echoed as his fist was halted in place. Before him stood Ajax, who blocked his attack. Meanwhile, beside him was a woman of great beauty, and behind him was Icarius, the guild master of the Watchers Guild.

"You—" Kyros's words were interrupted as the woman spoke.

"Measure your next words carefully, Kyros. Or you might not like the next thing I do," Aphemis threatened, her face contorted in rage.

Icarius, on the other hand, simply chuckled. "Now, now, Kyros. I thought you're better than this," he mocked.

Kyros felt his frustration reach the ceiling as he shifted his gaze towards Samael. Like earlier, he stood there, unfazed, as he stared at his fist like he knew it was coming.

Jerking his fist back, Kyros broke free of Ajax's hold as he tended to his son, carrying him in his arms as he strode away. But before he left, he left a final message.

"You best watch your back, boy."