The Council erupted with fury the next day.
Lord Kael stood unflinching in the Circle of Thrones, his midnight scales gleaming. "Do you accuse me of plotting against your daughter and her mortal pet?" His voice was smooth, mocking.
Serenya's fire flared dangerously, but Valeryn raised a hand, silencing her. The Dragon King's golden eyes burned into Kael.
"No dragon raises steel within these halls without my sanction," Valeryn rumbled. "If this is your treachery, you will answer for it."
Kael smirked. "Accusations mean nothing without proof. Perhaps your exile-daughter seeks to weaken you by stirring false claims."
The Court erupted in whispers. Eyes shifted between Serenya, Aric, and Kael.
Aric stepped forward before he could stop himself. His voice cut through the chaos. "I don't care about your politics. Someone tried to kill us. If Kael's behind it, then Trial or no Trial, I'll cut him down myself."
The hall fell silent. Gasps echoed. No mortal had ever spoken to a Dragon Lord like that.
Valeryn leaned forward slowly, his gaze flickering with something unreadable—amusement? Approval? Or the promise of death?
"Very well," the Dragon King said. "If blood must answer blood, then let it be so."
His voice rolled like thunder.
"Aric of the Flame, you shall face Lord Kael in a Duel of Fire and Steel. Survive, and the Court will silence its whispers. Fall… and the bond ends here."
Aric exhaled slowly, jaw tightening. "Guess I really know how to make friends."
Beside him, Serenya's grip on his arm was fierce, her whisper trembling between fury and fear.
"Don't die, Aric."