The cheers in the arena grew to a fever pitch as the barrier sealed the fighting grounds in the shape of a dome. Unlike before, the strength of the barrier had been increased, ensuring that no one could intervene until one of the princes had fallen.
The crowd’s energy was palpable, vibrating through the stands as the start of the battle approached. The deafening sound of a blaring horn echoed across the arena, signaling the beginning of the fight.
Instantly, Valerie unsheathed twin sleek sabers from his sides with a dramatic flourish, drawing wild cheers from his supporters. The blades gleamed in the arena’s light, lethal and sharp, ready to taste blood.
On the opposite side, Aldric kept his double-edged paragon sword close to his body, his stance calm but deadly, his eyes locked on Valerie. Both their weapons were forged in silver, shimmered in silver, crafted specifically for killing in this high-stakes duel.
The two princes began circling each other, their eyes locked, every muscle tensed as they assessed one another, looking for the first opportunity to strike. Their rivalry was deeply personal, and neither of them was willing to be the first to break concentration.
Aldric’s voice cut through the tension, his words laced with dark humor. "For someone who’s about to die, you look quite enthusiastic."
Valerie chuckled, his smile arrogant. "Or perhaps I have another reason to laugh."
"Oh?" Aldric’s brow raised slightly. "Do enlighten me, little brother."
Even as they circled each other like predators, their banter continued, testing each other’s patience and resolve. The crowd was quiet, watching and waiting for the first strike.
Valerie’s smirk widened, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "It’s Islinda," he said, deliberately turning his head towards where she sat. His gaze lingered on her, making a show of it. "Didn’t she tell you?"
Aldric’s stance grew rigid, his body tensing like a bowstring. His voice came out as a low growl. "Tell me what?"
Outside the barrier, Islinda felt her heart sink. From her vantage point, she saw Valerie’s mocking glance toward her. Her stomach twisted in knots.
The bond between her and Aldric was muted by the barrier, cutting off their telepathic link. She couldn’t warn him, couldn’t explain. But judging by Aldric’s tensed form and the darkening look in his eyes, she knew Valerie had just said enough to make Aldric snap. And the realization filled her with dread.
Valerie’s lips curled into a slow, taunting grin. "We shared one passionate kiss. Didn’t she mention it? Or, do you two not communicate?" His words dripped with venom, each syllable calculated to provoke.
Aldric’s mind blanked with rage. He knew Valerie was trying to get under his skin, but it didn’t matter—it worked. His vision clouded red. Valerie had touched his mate? It was unacceptable. Mates were fiercely territorial, and Valerie had crossed a line that Aldric would never forgive.
Valerie launched a powerful strike that hit Aldric square in the chest, sending him flying. Aldric crashed into the barrier wall with a sickening thud, the impact knocking the wind out of him. He fell to the ground, coughing up blood.
The arena erupted in cheers, the Faeries roaring for Valerie. The Winter Court’s prince was down.
Valerie beat his chest with savage pride and let out a thunderous roar, the sound reverberating across the arena. The Faeries responded with wild cheers, their excitement filling the air as they watched their prince dominate the fight.
In the royal box, Queen Maeve rose to her feet, clapping with fierce approval, her eyes gleaming with pride. Her lips curled into a triumphant smile.
It was time.
Time for Valerie to end this fight, to finish that bastard Aldric once and for all. Her son’s victory was near.
King Oberon, on the other hand, looked torn and forlorn. He had already lost Nova, and now he was on the verge of losing Aldric. Despite all his power, he felt helpless, unable to save the people he cared about most.
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