Page 40 of Sundered By Fate

"I do not believe he means us harm," Davin said softly. "But I cannot be certain that he hasn't been compromised in some way."

Aric opened his mouth to protest, but no words came. All he could do was watch as Davin's testimony cast doubt on everything he had fought so hard to prove.

With all testimonies heard and evidence presented, the tribunal fell into deliberation. The chamber buzzed with hushed conversations as the Pureblade members conferred among themselves and with the Silver Tower leadership and Valerian. Aric stood alone at the center, hyper-aware of every whisper and glance. He could sense the division among the tribunal members—some seemed inclined to believe in his continued loyalty, while others were convinced of his corruption. Through it all, Valerian remained a wild card, his intentions unclear. The tension in the room built as everyone awaited the tribunal's decision.

Aric's hands clenched at his sides, struggling to maintain his composure as the sigil on his chest throbbed.

"Surely you're not falling for this charade," Cyrus said, turning towards Valerian. "He's clearly been tainted by his time among the demons. Who knows what twisted machinations he's plotting?"

"We must not be so quick to condemn one who has sacrificed so much for our realm," Valerian replied evenly.

Cyrus scowled, folding his arms across his chest. "The evidence speaks for itself. He has dabbled in forbidden magic, consorted with demons?—"

Aric's fists tightened at his sides, teeth gritted as he tried to quell the burning rage rising within him. If only these fools would listen to him—to see reason instead of clinging to their outdated prejudices.

"You are wise beyond your years, Your Grace," Olaya said, her voice low and firm. "But if you truly fear he poses a threat, then maybe it is better to remand him into the Silver Tower's care, so that we might help him overcome any possible corruption while ensuring his abilities are not squandered."

"Indeed," Valerian said, "we stand to gain from having someone like Aric Solarian on our side. And in this fight, we cannot throw away any weapon we've been given."

Aric's head snapped up at that comment, his eyes meeting Valerian's across the chamber—and seeing something there that made his stomach flip in an all-too-familiar way.

"His knowledge of demon magic could give us an invaluable edge in our ongoing struggles," Valerian continued smoothly as he paced before the tribunal dais, hands clasped behind him. "We cannot afford to overlook any potential advantage."

Cyrus snorted derisively before turning back to face Aric directly once more; but whatever harsh words he had prepared died on his lips.

"I am ready to do whatever it takes—to face whatever consequences are deemed necessary—for my research into demon magic," Aric said fiercely, surprising even himself with how steady his voice sounded despite the fury simmering just beneath its surface now.

He straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin defiantly.

"But I will not stand by idly while my hard-earned knowledge is dismissed simply because it does not conform neatly to your narrow-minded views on good versus evil." He took a step forward then and dared look directly into Valerian's piercing gaze. "If you want any hope at all of finally putting an end once and for all to this unending conflict between our realms—then you need me."

A calculated smile played across Valerian’s lips. "Perhaps we are approaching this from the wrong angle," he said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Aric Solarian claims to have insights and abilities gained during his time in captivity. A demonstration of these alleged talents might shed light on the truth of his transformation—and prove just how valuable it could be to our cause."

A ripple of surprise ran through the chamber, followed by an uneasy silence. Aric's heart skipped a beat as he realized Valerian's intention.

Cyrus's face darkened with anger. "Absolutely not! Any use of demon magic poses an unacceptable risk?—"

"I believe we are capable of controlling the situation," Valerian said calmly.

Olaya exchanged a look with Davin and Ruta, who sat nearby on the Silver Tower's side of the tribunal, her expression unreadable. Other tribunal members leaned forward in their seats, clearly intrigued.

Aric took a deep breath, weighing the risks and potential benefits. A demonstration could serve to prove his loyalty and worth—or expose the full extent of his demonic transformation. He would have to choose his actions carefully.

"If it will help to prove my intentions, then I am willing to demonstrate my abilities," Aric said slowly. "But know that I use my magic only for our people's defense."

Valerian nodded thoughtfully, as if considering all possibilities before responding. "Very well then. Let us see what you are capable of."

Aric steeled himself, drawing on the reserves of power within. The shadows responded to his call, pooling at his feet, swirling in an ominous, inky blackness. He let them rise around him, wrapping him in a cloak of darkness that seemed to drink in the light.

But this time, he would not let them overwhelm him. This time, he would balance the dark with the light.

With a thought, he called forth his golden flame. It flickered into being in his hand, a beacon of warmth and purity amidst the shadowy tendrils. Aric willed the two magics to merge, to harmonize with one another.

The flames danced along the edges of the darkness, lighting it from within, like molten veins of gold running through obsidian. Aric guided it with precision, shaping it into something more—something powerful yet beautiful.

A ripple ran through the audience as they beheld the display. Some watched with awe; others, like Cyrus and Olaya, with obvious suspicion and disapproval. But Aric was past caring what they thought.

This was his magic. His power.

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