Calen's fingers twitched weakly at first, as if testing whether life still lingered within him. Then, like a sudden spark igniting a dry forest, a surge of energy erupted from deep within. It wasn’t painful; it was exhilarating, an all-consuming warmth that radiated from his core, spreading outward to every inch of his battered body.The warmth flowed to his chest, seeping into the gaping wound where the blade had pierced. The pain that had been his constant companion faded, replaced by a soothing sensation as his skin knit itself back together. Bruises vanished, torn muscles mended, and broken bones realigned with a satisfying crack. His heart, which had nearly faltered, now beat with an almost thunderous rhythm, steady and strong.A voice—soft yet commanding—echoed in his mind once more, urging him onward.“Rise.”Calen’s hand moved instinctively toward the sword lying just out of reach. As his fingers closed around the hilt, a jolt of power surged through him, more intense than bef

Evan sneered, stepping closer to Calen until they were nearly nose to nose. “Afraid? Why would I be afraid of a pathetic worm like you? You dare to challenge me? Fine. I’ll crush you under my boot like the insignificant insect you are!”The room erupted into laughter and jeers, the nobles and courtiers treating the challenge as a source of great amusement. The idea of Calen—Aerondale’s greatest disappointment—facing Evan, its most promising warrior, was nothing short of absurd to them.Even King Ryan chuckled, his voice booming over the crowd. “This will indeed be an entertaining spectacle. Very well, Calen. I will allow this duel. Let us see what shred of honor, if any, you have left.” He paused, his lips curling into a mischievous smirk. “But let’s make this interesting. If, by some miracle, you win, not only will you avoid exile, but I will reinstate your honor. You will take your place in the military as a captain—or even a general!”The hall exploded in laughter, the nobles doubl

The murmurs among the crowd grew louder, disbelief rippling through the arena.“This cannot be!” the king bellowed, descending from his elevated throne with a face flushed red with indignation. His voice carried authority, but beneath it, there was a tinge of unease.Calen, standing over Evan, kept his composure. “I’ve defeated him. That is the undeniable truth,” he declared, his voice cutting through the noise. He turned his sharp gaze toward Evan. “Now keep your word, Evan. Kneel, as you promised.”Evan’s fists trembled with fury as his jaw clenched. “I won’t kneel to you, you cheating scum!” he spat. “You didn’t win fairly. There’s no way someone like you could defeat me without trickery!”Calen raised an eyebrow, his grip on his sword unwavering. “If you’re so confident that I cheated, then prove it,” he challenged.The king stepped into the center of the arena, his cape billowing in the faint breeze. He raised a hand to silence the restless audience. “Enough!” he commanded. “This

Calen closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the warm bathwater. For the first time in years, he felt... whole. The memories of the humiliations he endured, the scornful laughter of those who once looked down on him, and Lila’s betrayal seemed to fade into insignificance. His mind replayed the events in the forest—the voice, the power surging through his veins, and the strange energy that had saved him from certain death.As he stretched out his hand, droplets of water rose from the bath, shimmering like tiny jewels in the dim light. Calen moved his fingers, and the droplets followed his command, dancing in the air. A grin spread across his face. The power... it’s back, he thought. This was the same gift he had as a child, the one he believed he had lost forever. But now, it was even stronger, more refined.He stood up, water cascading down his muscular frame. Wrapping himself in a towel, he returned to the mirror. His reflection was almost unrecognizable—the wiry, frail man he once was

Evan smirked with cruel satisfaction. "Begin!" he commanded, his voice ringing out over the training ground.The archers, already eager to claim their reward, wasted no time. A volley of arrows shot forth, darkening the sky as they arched toward Calen. The soldiers erupted in laughter and jeers, many of them placing bets on how long it would take for Calen to collapse under the assault."He’s done for!" one soldier shouted gleefully."Bet he’ll be crawling by the end of this!" another added, his voice thick with mockery.The arrows rained down, and everyone braced themselves for the spectacle of Calen’s humiliation. But as the first wave approached, Calen did something no one expected—he stood perfectly still.The soldiers’ laughter turned to murmurs of confusion. "What’s he doing? Why isn’t he moving?"Evan frowned, his smug expression faltering slightly. "What’s this fool playing at?"Then, as the arrows closed in, Calen raised his sword calmly. His eyes glinted with an unshakable d