As the hours passed, the training grounds buzzed with whispers and side glances. Guards and trainees sparred in the distance, but their eyes often flickered toward the young master who had taken over the weapon racks.
"Is that… Young Master Axelius?" one of the guards whispered to his companion, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Yeah, it's him… I've never seen him here before," the other replied, eyes wide with surprise.
A maid carrying fresh towels paused near the entrance, whispering to another, "Did you hear? He's been trying out every single weapon for hours now."
The second maid nodded, glancing over her shoulder nervously. "It's so strange… He never stepped foot in the training grounds before. I thought he hated fighting."
"Maybe he's finally decided to act like a Dravenhart," a young trainee chuckled, but the older knight beside him shot him a glare.
"Mind your tongue," the knight said sternly. "Young Master or not, he's still of Dravenhart blood."
Further away, a group of guards leaned against the stone wall, watching Axelius swing a saber—his tiny frame nearly toppling with each swing. One of them chuckled under his breath. "I thought he'd give up after the first sword. But look at him, still going…"
"And here I thought he was just a spoiled kid," another one added, shaking his head in disbelief.
Axelius, oblivious to the murmurs, pointed at another weapon on the rack. "That one next, Elias," he demanded, his small hands already stretching out.
Elias bowed his head respectfully. "Of course, young master."
More whispers spread like wildfire as Elias handed him a long spear. "I can't believe it…" a maid muttered to another. "The young master has been at it for hours… Does he even know how to fight?"
The other maid shrugged. "Who knows? But… isn't it kind of impressive? He hasn't complained once."
The grand doors to the training grounds swung open with a loud creak, drawing everyone's attention. A wave of silence washed over the area as the Dravenhart siblings entered, led by the graceful figure of Vivienne. Her long crimson hair shimmered under the sunlight, and the majestic phoenix perched on her shoulder spread its wings slightly, as if to command respect.
"Lady Vivienne has arrived!" one of the knights announced loudly, his voice echoing across the grounds.
In perfect synchrony, every guard, trainee, and servant bowed deeply. "Greetings, Lady Vivienne! Greetings, Young Masters!" their voices chorused with disciplined unison.
Vivienne walked with the elegance of royalty, her eyes sharp and observant. Behind her were Andrius, Seraphine, Cedric, Cyrus—with a silk bandage wrapped around his arm—and little Ellory, carried gently by her maid.
Elias immediately rushed over to Axelius, helping him down from the stool with a steady hand. "Come, young master. Let's not keep them waiting," he whispered.
Axelius hopped down gracefully, brushing off his clothes as he straightened up. Elias led him to the line, standing respectfully behind the older siblings. They slipped quietly into their places, with Axelius barely reaching Cyrus's shoulder.
Axelius's eyes caught sight of Cyrus glaring at him, his eyes burning with barely hidden rage. The silk bandage wrapped around Cyrus's arm was proof of their earlier encounter. Axelius raised his hand to his mouth and made a biting motion with a wicked grin.
Cyrus's eyes widened, his expression stiffening as he instinctively flinched back. His face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly looked away, clenching his fists.
Axelius couldn't help but laughed.
Elias raised an eyebrow but said nothing, though the corner of his lips seemed to twitch with amusement.
Meanwhile, Vivienne, oblivious to the silent exchange, stepped forward with a regal grace. She turned her head slightly, her voice as smooth as silk. "Now that everyone is here, shall we proceed with the mock battle preparations?" she announced, her phoenix letting out a soft cry in agreement.
The knights straightened up instantly. "Yes, Lady Vivienne!" they chorused, rushing to set up the training grounds.
Axelius stretched his arms with a grin. "Finally, some action," he whispered to Owen, excitement glimmering in his eyes.
The training ground was quiet as Andrius and Seraphine walked to the center. Both stood tall and strong, ready for the beast battle.
They bowed deeply to each other and the watching crowd.
Andrius did not smile. His face was serious and calm. He said, "Thank you for this chance to fight fairly."
Seraphine nodded and replied with a soft voice, "I also thank you. Let this battle be honorable."
Andrius took a deep breath and raised his hand confidently. In an instant, the ground trembled as a massive creature emerged beside him. It was Skoll, his Fenrir — a giant wolf with thick, silver fur that shimmered under the sun. Its piercing eyes glowed softly like the moon, full of quiet power and fierce loyalty. Skoll's powerful muscles rippled beneath its fur, and its sharp fangs gleamed as it stood alert, ready for battle.
Seraphine stepped forward with a calm smile. She lifted her hand gracefully, and from the sky, a majestic creature descended like a living legend. The creature was magnificent — its lion's body covered in golden fur, strong and muscular, with paws tipped by sharp claws. Its broad wings were like those of an eagle, feathers shining with iridescent colors in the sunlight. The eagle-like head was noble and sharp, with a curved, powerful beak and eyes that burned with fierce intelligence and pride. It radiated both grace and deadly power, a true symbol of strength and freedom.
"What is that?" Axelius asked,
Elias stood close to Axelius and whispered softly, "That is a Griffin, Young Master. It's a rare and mighty beast. Half lion, half eagle — known for speed, strength, and sharp mind. Only the best can tame such a creature."
Axelius's eyes followed the Griffin carefully.
The battle started quickly. Andrius shouted, "Skoll, attack!" The huge Fenrir growled loud and jumped forward fast. Its sharp teeth aimed for the Griffin's wings.
Seraphine raised her hand. "Fly higher, then dive!" The Griffin spread its big wings and flew up into the sky with strong, fast beats. It avoided Skoll's bite easily.
Skoll tried to jump and catch the Griffin in the air, but the Griffin was too quick. It flew in circles, dropping sharp feathers like arrows. One feather hit Skoll's leg, making it howl in pain.
Skoll shook its head and charged again, running fast on the ground. It lunged at the Griffin, but the Griffin flew low and slashed Skoll's face with its sharp claws.
The two beasts were strong and fast. Skoll was powerful on the ground, biting and running. The Griffin used speed and flying to stay safe and strike from above.
Andrius and Seraphine shouted commands, trying to help their beasts win. The air was full of dust and feathers as the fight went on.
At one moment, Skoll grabbed the Griffin's wing, but the Griffin used its strong beak to peck Skoll's neck hard. Skoll let go and growled.