The sounds of steel clashing rang through the cold stone halls of the royal palace. Alina's sword was a blur of motion as she parried her brother's savage strikes. The anger in her eyes was matched only by the cold, calculating look in Kael's.
"You were always the favored one, Alina," he spat, driving his blade toward her heart. "But I am the one who will rule. I have waited too long for this."
Alina blocked the strike, her blade humming with the force of the impact. "I never wanted this throne, Cael. But I will not let you destroy what our father built."
Their swords locked, the force of their collision sending sparks flying into the darkened room. Alina's breath was heavy, but she stood firm, her eyes fixed on her brother's.
"Father is dead," Cael sneered, "and it's your fault. You left. You went to him, the bastard, and left your family unprotected. The throne is mine now."
Alina's heart thundered in her chest. The betrayal was deep, the pain of losing her father still raw, but she had not expected this from Cael—her brother. She had always thought of him as her ally, the one who would protect the kingdom beside her. But now, with the poisoned dagger in his hand and the madness in his eyes, she knew that nothing would ever be the same.
"You killed him," she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"Not just him," Cael said, a twisted smile on his lips. "I will take everything. The throne. The crown. And soon, I'll have the power to rid this kingdom of all who stand in my way—including you."
Alina's grip tightened on her sword. She had to stop him. She couldn't let him destroy everything.
With a flash of fury, Alina drove her blade forward, catching Cael off guard. But Cael was no fool. He deflected the blow and countered with a slash that cut deep across her arm. Blood stained the floor as Alina staggered back, clutching her wound.
But she didn't back down.
She couldn't.
This was the moment that would define the kingdom's future.
As she prepared to strike again, a voice called out from the doorway.
"Enough!"
Both siblings froze.
The voice was familiar, yet unfamiliar.
It was Marcus.
He stood in the doorway, his presence commanding the room. His sharp eyes locked on Cael's, and his gaze softened when he saw Alina's injury.
"Alina," Marcus said softly, walking toward her. "Are you alright?"
Alina nodded, her eyes filled with both relief and confusion. "Marcus… What are you doing here?"
"I came for you," Marcus replied, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I couldn't stay away any longer. You need help, and so does this kingdom."
Cael sneered, his grip tightening around his sword. "So, the bastard finally shows his face. You think you can stop me?"
Marcus stood tall, his sword gleaming in the light. "I'm not here to fight you, Cael. I'm here to end this madness."
Cael lunged, but Marcus was faster. In a single fluid motion, he disarmed Cael and sent him stumbling back, the prince's sword clattering to the ground.
"This is over," Marcus said, his voice cold but full of resolve. "You'll never rule this kingdom."
Cael's eyes burned with rage. "You think you've won, don't you? The kingdoms will rise against you. You will never sit on this throne."
Marcus looked at Elira, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "The throne belongs to no one but the people. And it's time the kingdoms learn that."
Before Cael could respond, Marcus turned, his hand outstretched to Elira.
"Come with me," he said softly. "We need to leave now, while there's still a chance."
Alina hesitated, but the weight of the decision pressed on her. Cael was not the only one who sought the throne. The other kingdoms were watching, waiting, and soon they would come for Sapphire. She knew what needed to be done.
With a final glance at her brother, Alinaa walked toward Marcus.
The future was uncertain. The kingdoms were divided. The throne was broken.
But in that moment, Alina made her choice.
She would fight for a new world. A world where the flames of old ambition would be extinguished—and where the last ember would burn brightest.