Night rain poured down, the long street glistening under lamplight as the air mingled with earth and kerosene. Beyond Rahlian's South Gate, a black cavalry unit advanced silently, their hooves thudding dully on greenstone slabs. Wrapped in a storm cloak, Aveline stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance. Clutching her longsword, she listened intently—the urgent rhythm of raindrops striking metal armor and stone walls couldn't mask the distant whispers and hoofbeats.
Lucian squeezed her hand, knuckles white. "Let them come. I intend to see which former ally dares challenge the Snowflame Queen's might." Turning, he ordered, "Prepare the garrison. Form ranks outside the South Gate. Silver Oath and Fire Cavalry will cover the flanks. Her Highness Aveline and I will meet the enemy at the gatehouse."
As rain intensified, longbowmen positioned at arrow slits, musketeers bracing defenses on either side. Aveline and Lucian descended the steps side by side, wind and rain soaking their cloaks and hair—washing away the dust of uncooled blood. The city gate creaked open, revealing shadows and torchlight beyond.
As the cavalry charged, hidden troops sprang up. Flames flashed, bowstrings sang in unison, and a storm of arrows arced toward the vanguard. Rebels cried out, retreating in disarray, only to be pincered by Silver Oath shields and Fire Cavalry in the gate's narrow passage. Howls and roars wove a harsh battle hymn. Aveline's figure slashed through the crowd like lightning, her swordplay lethal—each strike trailed royal blood sigil flames, cleaving through shields and spears. Lucian followed close behind, his swordtip tearing the night as they cut down rebels, pushing them into chaotic mud.
After the melee, remaining rebels fled in panic, scattering through the wall's winding archways. Aveline pointed her sword at a knight in crimson-gold armor—Lord Elwin. He reined his horse to face her, the downpour misting over his broad shoulders like a guttering candle flame. On the gate's stone steps, they stared across the rain, the merciless storm setting the stage for their duel.
"Elwin, know that if you fall today, you dig your own grave," Aveline's voice cut clearly through the rain, though soft.
Elwin grinned savagely, raising his longsword to catch the gatehouse torches' glow. "Royal power belongs to the Vatall old nobles! Abolishing divine authority, seizing my fief—these are your crimes. Do you think I'll kneel today? Dream on!"
He spurred forward, clashing with Aveline. Raindrops and blood sprayed as cold sword qi tangled with scalding royal blood in a eerie fire-rain. Lucian intercepted reinforcements, while Aveline tangled with Elwin on the steps. Each strike was a tempest—her silver robes shimmered in the rain like fire consuming darkness.
Finally, Elwin was forced to the top of the steps. His foot slipped, and he crashed onto the wet stone, sword clattering free. Aveline approached slowly, tip at his throat, its cold gleam menacing. Beyond the gate, surviving rebels could fight no more. The night rain's war drums faded, leaving only howling wind and dripping water echoing off stone walls.
Elwin looked up, eyes glazed but still defiant. Blood-streaked lips twisted into a bitter smile. "You... were never the weak substitute. Highness, the path to kingship is paved with blood."
Aveline said nothing, slowly withdrawing her sword. She turned to nod at Lucian, who signaled guards to take Elwin for his rightful trial. On the wall, torchlight and rain wove a scene of royal power mingling with blood.
The rain eased, broken starlight emerging. Aveline and Lucian stood side by side on the wall, warmth of victory cutting through the chill. Lucian removed his cloak, gently draping it over her shoulders, voice a murmur in the quiet night: "How can such storms make us retreat?" Leaning against him, the Snowflame Queen's dignity shone brighter under moonlight: "After storms, the most splendid rainbows; after war, a firmer throne."
They embraced on the wall, while rain and blood beyond the South Gate witnessed the resolve to defend royal power—and mirrored the oath of their united hearts.