Everblood Ascendant

The grand hall of the Virelith Clan was alive with laughter, golden chandeliers reflecting off polished stone and silk banners. The scent of roasted meats and exotic spices filled the air as servants carried trays between noble guests. Clan heads toasted over vintage wine, catching up like warriors who had survived a hundred battlefields together.

Theron Virelith stood tall at the head table, his red and black ceremonial robes swirling around his boots. "To old friends and new beginnings!" he declared, raising a goblet.

Ardan Avalon, regal with his emerald cloak and golden circlet, chuckled. "You're sounding sentimental, Theron. Don't tell me your son's return has softened you."

Velian Stormbrite, with hair like storm clouds and piercing violet eyes, grinned. "Soft or not, the boy did beat Rian. That was no easy feat."

Malrik Cromwell leaned back in his seat, dark eyes hidden beneath his hood. "Blood proves true under pressure. That boy has a shadow in him."

Garruk Shieldbane, thick as a wall and as calm as a boulder, gave a rare smile. "I look forward to seeing what your Caelan can do. Our heirs need a little shaking up."

While the elders laughed and drank, the clan heirs gathered at the edge of the hall, near the dueling arena reserved for special occasions. Conversations buzzed between them, though the mood was anything but light.

Seryn Stormbrite, clad in dark blue robes crackling faintly with static, flicked a strand of silver hair from her face. Her lightning-filled violet eyes scanned the group before settling on Caelan. "You're the famous Virelith prodigy? You look... different."

Caelan offered a faint smirk. "People change. Or they evolve."

Dorn Shieldbane, massive and armored even at a feast, scoffed. "He doesn't even look like the rest of his clan. And you're younger than all of us. Maybe your brother should've been heir."

The comment struck like a whip. A few heirs chuckled.

Caelan's gaze sharpened. "If that's the case, Rian wouldn't be unconscious in a dungeon."

Silence followed, then a ripple of laughter from Seryn.

Lysander Avalon stepped forward, green eyes gleaming, golden hair brushing his shoulders. "Bold words. But words only go so far."

"Then how about actions?" Caelan challenged, his tone calm, but his presence crackling with unseen pressure.

That was when Seryn tilted her head and smirked. "Sounds like a fight's brewing. What say we make this interesting?"

She stepped into the center of the gathering. "A mock battle. Between us heirs. Just a friendly test of strength."

Dorn grunted in approval. "Fine by me. I've been meaning to stretch my arms."

Lysander chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "I won't go easy on anyone."

Silas Cromwell, leaning in the shadows behind them, stepped forward. His eyes were darker than pitch, his smile unreadable. "I'll join. But only if I face the winner."

A murmur of approval swept through the hall. Clan heads turned, intrigued by the sudden spark of challenge.

Theron Virelith laughed. "Looks like the young ones are restless."

"Let them battle," King Ardan said with a grin. "It's been too long since I saw a proper heir match."

The decision was made. The mock duels would commence.

Match One: Caelan Virelith vs. Seryn Stormbrite.

Match Two: Dorn Shieldbane vs. Lysander Avalon.

Final Match: Winner faces Silas Cromwell.

As the heirs prepared, Caelan stood at the edge of the arena, breathing deeply.

> This is it. A chance to test how far I've come. My power surged against Rian—but these opponents... they were groomed to lead. Each trained by the finest of their clans.

> Perfect. Let's see what I'm really made of.

As he tightened his dual swords to his hips, a quiet voice called out.

"You fight well," said Seryn, appearing beside him, eyes flickering with mischief. "And you're not hard to look at either. Maybe after this, we talk... privately?"

Caelan blinked, taken off guard. "Are you trying to distract me before the fight?"

Seryn only smirked. "Would it work?"

He shook his head, chuckling softly. "No. But you're welcome to try again after I win."

As they stepped into the ring, the crowd buzzed. Lights from the crystal chandeliers shimmered off their weapons.

Across from him, Seryn's fingers danced with sparks.

Caelan grinned.

> Let's begin.

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