“Why are you walking so fast? Are you afraid the arena will close before we get there?”Jace hurried after Aeron, adjusting the strap of the small bag hanging across his shoulder. He had been talking since they left the lodging house, pointing out shops and explaining things Aeron never asked about, but the young man barely spared him a glance.“I’m beginning to think you enjoy hearing your own voice,” Aeron muttered as he moved around a woman carrying a basket of vegetables.Jace looked offended. “I’m trying to help you understand the city. You can’t just walk around here without knowing anything about the people or the streets. What will you do if someone cheats you?”“You don’t have to care about that.” “And if you get lost?”“I’ will find my way.”“What if you need me?”Aeron glanced at him, narrowing his eyes. “ I don’t think so.” Jace shook his head in disappointment, but Aeron continued walking. He had faced execution, been rejected by his family, and awakened the power of th

Jace squeezed his eyes shut as the scarred boy swung at him, but at the last moment, he drove his knee into the man’s stomach and caught him off guard.“Oof!”The boy stumbled backward, and Jace quickly punched another attacker in the face before stepping away, looking rather pleased with himself.“See? You people aren’t so scary after all!”His confidence lasted barely a second.The scarred boy straightened, his face twisting with anger, and grabbed Jace by the collar. Before Jace could react, a fist struck his ribs, followed by another blow to his back. He struggled to push his attackers away, but there were too many of them, and a kick to his thigh sent him crashing onto the ground.“Cant run your mouth again?!” one of them shouted.Jace groaned, clutching his side as he tried to stand. The old man behind the repair stall rose from his seat, but when one of the boys threatened him, he reluctantly stepped back.“Cowards!” Jace spat, wiping the blood from his mouth. “You need four pe

Aeron’s knees nearly gave way, but he caught himself against the wall before he could fall.“What is it now?” he asked, breathing heavily as Valeor stared at him with unusual seriousness. “You told me to train, and I’m training. Unless you expect me to grow another pair of legs, I don’t see the problem.”Valeor ignored his complaint and examined him carefully.‘Your body is struggling to contain the power inside you. I warned you about this, Aeron. If you keep pushing yourself without understanding your limits, you may injure yourself before you ever meet a worthy opponent.’Aeron wiped the sweat from his forehead, his expression hardening.“That’s exactly why I’m training. I can’t keep depending on your strength every time someone threatens me. One day, I’ll face an enemy you can’t defeat for me, and I refuse to die because my body is too weak to handle the power I carry.”Valeor watched him for a moment before giving a small nod.“Fine. But if you collapse again, don’t expect me to

He folded the invitation and placed it on the table. “ I’m not going…..” Valeor, who had been resting near Aeron’s wrist, lifted his head. ‘You seem very certain that staying away will solve your problem.’ Aeron turned toward the tiny snake. “It will solve one problem, at least. I won’t have to stand in a room full of arrogant nobles while Cassius reminds everyone that he took Elara and watched me lose everything. Don’t forget I won the bet at the arena too.” ‘And what happens the next time he organises a gathering? Will you avoid that one too? What about the next competition, or the next opportunity that could help you become stronger? Are you going to spend your life changing your plans because one man might insult you?’ Aeron’s jaw tightened, and for a moment he could not answer. Valeor continued, his golden eyes fixed on him. ‘I am not telling you to attend because you need to prove your worth to Cassius. I am telling you not to surrender your freedom to him. If you c

The injured man clutched his cheek, glaring at Aeron while his companions rushed to support him. “You heard him! He struck me in front of everyone. If the royal circle allows this kind of behaviour, what stops him from attacking someone more important next time?” His complaint drew several murmurs, and Aeron noticed how quickly the guests forgot the insults that came before the slap.His father looked as though the entire room had collapsed on his shoulders. He hurried forward, stopping just short of grabbing Aeron’s arm, and lowered his voice in a desperate attempt to keep the argument from growing worse.“Aeron, apologise right now. Do you understand what you are doing? Cassius invited Your mother, cousins and I here, and this gathering could open doors we have spent years trying to reach. You cannot throw away such an opportunity over a few insulting words!”Aeron stared at him, struggling to understand how his father could stand there and worry about opportunities while ignoring