THE LAST BLOOD SOVEREIGN

CHAPTER 18: THE SPEAR OF DAWN

 

The city square fell into complete silence.

Dozens of masked warriors surrounded Kael from every direction.

Their black cloaks swayed in the wind, and each one carried a different weapon—swords, spears, bows, chains, and scythes. Their auras were far stronger than the assassins Kael had faced in the Crimson Forest.

The silver-winged warrior landed beside Kael.

His golden spear struck the ground with a metallic clang.

"I was hoping we'd meet under better circumstances," he said with a grin.

Kael didn't take his eyes off the enemies.

"You know me?"

"I know of you."

The young man extended a hand without looking away from the masked warriors.

"My name is Caelan Dawnshield."

"Captain of the Dawn Wardens."

"My order has protected the legacy of the Blood Sovereigns since the night your family fell."

Kael hesitated for only a moment before shaking his hand.

"So... my family still had allies."

"Very few," Caelan answered quietly.

"But we're stubborn."

The leader of the masked warriors chuckled.

"A touching reunion."

He removed his silver mask.

A handsome man with long white hair and icy blue eyes looked back at them.

A long scar crossed his left cheek.

"My name is Lucien Voss."

"Commander of the Emperor's Eclipse Legion."

"I have waited eighteen years for this day."

His gaze settled on Kael.

"You have caused us far too much trouble."

Kael stepped forward, the crimson sword still glowing in his hand.

"You murdered my family."

Lucien smiled.

"I followed orders."

"There is a difference."

"There isn't."

Kael's voice was calm.

"If you choose to slaughter innocent people..."

"...their blood is on your hands."

For the first time, Lucien's smile faded.

"Interesting."

"The boy has convictions."

He slowly raised his sword.

"Kill them."

The Eclipse Legion attacked as one.

The streets erupted into chaos.

Caelan spread his radiant wings and shot into the air like a bolt of lightning.

His golden spear pierced through three masked warriors in a single strike.

Elara fired a volley of lightning arrows, forcing another group to retreat.

Kael met Lucien head-on.

Their swords collided.

CLANG!

A shockwave rippled across the square.

Lucien's eyes widened.

"So you've truly awakened."

Kael pressed forward.

Strike after strike echoed through the city.

Lucien blocked each one with astonishing precision.

"You rely too much on instinct," Lucien said.

"Watch carefully."

His sword suddenly changed direction.

Instead of attacking Kael...

It slashed toward a nearby child hiding behind a broken cart.

Kael's heart lurched.

Without thinking, he abandoned his attack and threw himself in front of the child.

SLASH!

Lucien's blade cut across Kael's shoulder.

Blood splashed onto the stones.

Lucien stepped back with a satisfied smile.

"As I thought."

"You'll always protect others."

Kael gritted his teeth against the pain.

"And you'll always hide behind the innocent."

Lucien laughed.

"Compassion is predictable."

"And predictable opponents die young."

Kael helped the frightened child to safety.

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"Thank you..."

Kael smiled despite the blood running down his arm.

"Stay close to the guards."

As she ran away, something unexpected happened.

A tiny spark of warm golden light rose from her chest.

It drifted toward Kael and dissolved into his body.

His wound instantly stopped bleeding.

Kael blinked.

"What was that?"

Caelan shouted from above as he clashed with two elite warriors.

"Faith!"

"The gratitude of the people strengthens a true Blood Sovereign!"

Lucien's expression darkened.

"So the old legends were true..."

Kael suddenly understood.

The Blood Sovereigns had never drawn strength from fear.

They drew strength from those they protected.

At that moment, more citizens began helping one another.

Some carried the wounded.

Others formed chains to move children to safety.

An old blacksmith picked up his hammer and stood beside the city guards.

A baker handed out water to exhausted soldiers.

One by one, tiny sparks of golden light rose into the air.

They gathered around Kael like glowing fireflies.

His crimson armor shone brighter.

His sword grew longer.

Stronger.

Lucien's confident expression finally cracked.

"This..."

"This shouldn't be possible."

Kael lifted his sword.

His voice echoed across the battlefield.

"I fight because these people deserve to live."

The golden lights merged with the crimson glow surrounding him.

A new symbol appeared on the blade.

The Blood Sovereign's power had evolved once again.

Before Kael could move, however...

The sky suddenly split open.

Not with darkness.

With brilliant white light.

A majestic floating fortress emerged from the clouds, casting its shadow over the burning city.

Trumpets echoed across the heavens.

An ancient banner bearing a silver lion fluttered proudly.

Everyone—friend and foe alike—looked up in shock.

Caelan smiled.

"They're here."

Lucien's face turned pale.

"No..."

"The Celestial Kingdom..."

"Why would they intervene now?"

High above them, a powerful female voice rang out across the battlefield.

"By decree of Her Majesty..."

"The city is now under the protection of the Celestial Crown."

Then, from the edge of the floating fortress, a lone woman in silver-and-white armor stepped into the air...

...and began walking across the sky toward the battlefield.