Page 33 of Emylia

The behemoth of a man, that was my uncle, took another step forward, raising his Goliath arms like he was greeting one of the Gods as he spoke. “It is here that the real glory is earned.” Uncle Thrainn paused and looked around at the people surrounding the ring—his people.

Ophelia was small, but over a hundred people had come out to enjoy the festival and watch this final tournament. He seemed to pause, considering his next words.

“It is especially important this year, as rumors of the warlord Xenthion reach us. Ophelia has always been sheltered from the rest of the realm–guarded by the forest, the cliffs, and the sea. But even that will not be enough. Our distance from the capital, Emberfalls, may have protected us once, but the tide is shifting. If his forces march against us, we will not remain untouched. We must begin preparations–before war reaches our gates.”

A foreboding gasp spread through the crowd, as though every single person breathed as one. He eyed each of his clansmen. “We all know that there has been unrest these last two decades. Hail the King and Queen of Agertheria! Lost from this world, but not from our hearts. We will not let another warlord raze our land to the ground! We fight in the Goddess’s honor! We await the rightful heir to the throne!”

Unfamiliar trepidation licked up my spine, leeching the color from my skin until I felt ghostly and hollow.

Rumors of a new warlord had been circling for months.

Since the tyrant Crixus was overthrown, Agertheria had been left fractured—no ruling party, no order. Just power-hungry regions left to their own devices.

Olag always had stories—tales of conflict and chaos picked up from wandering travelers. But they’d felt distant, like shadows on the horizon. Nothing more than whispers.

Until now.

Thrainn’s words made it real. Final.

It wasn’t a matter of if we’d be attacked.

It waswhen.

And just like that, something inside me split open—a surge of raw protectiveness unfurling in my chest, fierce and absolute.

If Xenthion came for Ophelia...

I would make him bleed.

Ignoring the tension in the crowd, Thrainn pressed on, raising his voice as he spoke. “After witnessing the fierceness of the competitions today, I do not doubt that we will be a force to contend with. Even against Xenthion’s warriors!”

A cheer rang through the crowd. A primal ferocity rose from the depths, like a living, breathing entity. Every man here would give up their life to defend their home and the people they loved. Our town may not be large in number, but we were a force to be reckoned with.

“All afternoon, we have battled tirelessly to make it to this one moment. Many have fallen short, only two contenders remain. Maalikai, my boy, come join me.”

My breath hitched; I prayed to the Gods that Sebastian hadn’t noticed.

Maalikai had to plant his legs so they wouldn’t buckle under the weight of Uncle Thrainn’s arm as he clasped him around his shoulders. “Today, we have a new challenger among us. He may not look like much, but we’ve all seen him shoot. Now, it’s time to see if he can fight.”

A cheer rang out amongst the crowd, the anticipation almost palpable.

“I only have one question for you, Maalikai; how easy do you want me to go on you?”

The edge of Maalikai’s jaw was carved like a threat, and the smirk that followed? Dangerous. I hated how easily my eyes caught on it–how even the ghost of a smile could ignite something reckless beneath my ribs.

“No need to go easy on me,Thrainn, I can beat you without the advantage.”

“Cocky little one, aren’t you?” My uncle chuckled low as he squeezed Maalikai’s shoulder.

There was hunger in Maalikai’s smile–something dark, unspoken. The kind of smile a predator wears right before it devours. It spread with lethal ease, like a wolf savoring the moment just before the kill.

“It’s only cockiness if you can’t deliver, otherwise, it’s simply confidence.”

A deep booming laugh erupted from my uncle. “Let’s put you to the test then.”

Maalikai seemed oddly calm, a quiet storm contained–exuding a kind of confidence that didn’t need to shout to be heard. It wrapped around him like a second skin, subtle but undeniable.

Fighting the urge to yell at him to get the Nexus out of there while he still had a chance, I just shook my head in disbelief.

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