Page 112 of Dueling the Suitors

The force was immense, but their recently magnified powers made Astoria resolute. She advanced, step by step with her husband, pressing on despite the relentless assault from Rowan and Orion.

“You should surrender while you can, Rowan!” Cyrus called out. “I might consider not executing you if you do—oh wait.” He paused dramatically, and his voice took on a dangerous note.“I won’t. You sealed your fate the moment you kidnapped my wife.”

Rowan’s frustration was palpable. He disconnected his spell and redirected his focus to the ceiling. Astoria’s eyes followed his gaze, widening as she saw the massive chandelier above them. Snarling, Rowan unleashed a grey bolt at the chandelier.

Astoria freed her other hand from Cyrus’ grip and threw up another shield, arching over them and every other person in the room. The chandelier’s crash was met with a burst of light as her shield absorbed the impact, protecting everyone beneath it. She marveled at the ease with which she now managed multiple spells simultaneously.

Then her gaze fell back on Rowan and Wizard Orion. They were still fighting relentlessly, madly. Her eyes locked with Rowan’s stormy ones. They were filled with hatred, void of the light she had been certain he wasn’t entirely faking just days ago. His betrayal still stung, but he had declared himself the enemy.

And so be it.

She curled one hand into a fist, her fingers folding in one by one. Then, with a precise motion, she yanked it downward. She felt the surge of power respond to her will.

Rowan dropped to his knees, his spells faltering as shock etched across his handsome face. He tried to fight against her powers and stand up, but his efforts were futile.

“Youare the Angel of Destruction,” Astoria began gravely, fuelled by so many emotions that she barely recognized her own voice. “Youare the one the prophecy spoke of, the true angel of destruction. You manipulated the truth and hid behind the rumors you spread about my husband. You made him the villain—the bloodthirsty, power-hungry monster thatyouare! So, how does it feel, Rowan, to finally embrace your title and your fate? I have brought the angel of destruction to his knees at last. The prophecy is hereby fulfilled.”

Rowan sneered at her, hatred pouring out of him. “Maybe. But this doesn’t mean anything.”

“Oh, it doesn’t?” Cyrus advanced, the shield still in front of them. “Then, I shall make sure itdoeswhen you and your friend are executed.”

Astoria curled her fist once again and yanked it down, bringing Wizard Orion to his knees as well. He glared at her.

“And on what account are you going to execute us?” Rowan laughed. “Treason? Oh, Cyrus…tsk, tsk.”

“Because you are from the former royal bloodline, and the throne is ‘rightfully’ yours, you think this doesn’t count as treason?” Cyrus asked challengingly and raised an eyebrow. “In what sense do you think the people of Draken want a descendant of King Biba on the throne again? They curse his name even still. I never took you for a fool, Rowan.”

Rowan snorted. “What makes you think I care what the people think?”

Cyrus nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps your punishment should be decided by the people you count so little, just like your family did.”

Rowan smirked. “You are welcome to try.”

Suddenly, there was a glow behind him and Wizard Orion. It grew enormous.

Astoria’s eyes widened. “It’s the portal!” She released a bolt of energy to destroy it but was blocked by a dark, invisible force.

Rowan and Wizard Orion fell backward into the glow. The portal closed in on them, and Rowan’s final words echoed in the air. “Until next time, Cyrus!”

Cyrus swore under his breath.

“We should search the castle—the third floor—”

“No, he is gone. I can feel it in the shield around the palace,” Cyrus said grimly, looking around at the traitors who shrank further under his gaze. “But he is not coming back.” He turnedback to Astoria. The edge in his eyes softened. “Because we are putting up a new one, as in, right now.”

He cradled her hands in his.

“I’ve never put up such a vast shield before.” Astoria stared at him with wide eyes. “Teach me?”

“Of course, sweetheart.” He kissed her knuckles. “Close your eyes, focus, release your energy. Let it flow. Draw it up in shields and send it around the palace borders. You start from the main gates towards the right, and I will meet you halfway from the left.”

Astoria did just that. Where her powers used to flow like water, now it was a waterfall. She smiled at the sensation. It was elating. Cyrus gave her fingers a gentle squeeze.

Once the shield was up, she opened her eyes and looked out the nearest window. Fading shimmers of the shield glinted in the distance. She glanced back at Cyrus.

He was smiling at her adoringly. “We did it,” he murmured, dropping her hands and cupping her face. “We saved Draken.”

Astoria leaned into his touch. Though this wasn’t the victory she had anticipated, he was right. They had saved Draken from destruction. And their enemies would know better than to rebel against them again.

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