The city gates were crowded that morning. Soldiers marched in, their armor clinking, their boots pounding against the stone. Kasim stood with Arjun at the edge of the square, watching. The smell of dust and sweat filled the air.
"They've doubled the guard," Arjun muttered. "The court is preparing."
Kasim's stomach tightened. "For war?"
Arjun's silence was answer enough.
The Messenger
Later, a messenger arrived. His cloak was torn, his face pale. "Lord Daren calls for you," he said. "He swears no harm will come."
Arjun's jaw clenched. "An oath from Daren is worth less than ash."
Still, they went.
The Noble's Hall
The noble's hall was colder than before. Torches burned low, the smell of smoke heavy. Lord Daren greeted them with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Arjun. Kasim. You refused my offer once. I give you another chance. Hand over the shard, and I swear you will live."
Kasim's hand tightened on the crystal hidden under his cloak. "You swore peace before. You lied."
Daren's smile faded. "Peace is a word. Survival is truth. Choose wisely, boy."
Arjun stepped forward. "He has chosen already."
The Clash
The hall erupted. Guards drew blades. The sound of steel filled the chamber. Kasim's heart raced. He smelled sweat, leather, and the faint tang of blood as the first strike landed.
Arjun fought with precision, his movements sharp and controlled. Kasim stumbled at first, his blade clashing awkwardly, sparks flying. A guard laughed. "Still clumsy."
Kasim gritted his teeth. He steadied himself, adjusted his grip, and struck. His blade cut across the guard's arm. The man cried out, dropping his weapon.
The fight was brutal. Shouts echoed, steel rang, torches flickered. Kasim's arms ached, his breath came ragged. He slipped once, nearly falling, but caught himself. He hated the stumble. It reminded him he was still learning.
At last, the guards retreated. Lord Daren stood alone, his face pale. "You think you are chosen? You are a child. Lumora will break you."
Kasim raised the shard. Its glow filled the hall. "Lumora does not break. It remembers."
Daren's eyes narrowed. "Then remember this — the court will not stop."
Aftermath
That night, Kasim sat alone. The city outside was restless — carts creaked, dogs barked, voices whispered. He held the shard close, its glow steady. He whispered, "I will not break."
But deep inside, he knew the oath was broken, and the storm was only beginning.