Chapter 7 The Shadow Duel

The crimson glow of the blood moon streamed through the narrow windows of the castle’s training grounds, painting the black stone in deep reds and shadows. Aria stood in the center of the arena, her hands trembling slightly, but her blood pulsed with a fierce warmth she had begun to understand. Tonight would not be another lesson under Lucian’s careful guidance—tonight was her first duel against the rival princess.

Lucian’s presence at her side was steadying, but it did not diminish the knot of fear coiling in her stomach. She could sense the princess watching from the shadows, her aura sharp and predatory, radiating hostility that pricked at the edges of Aria’s awareness.

“You are ready,” Lucian said quietly, his crimson eyes locking onto hers. “Trust yourself. Trust your blood. And remember… I am with you, but the duel is yours. You must control it.”

Aria swallowed hard. “I… I will try.”

“You won’t try,” he corrected, his voice low and commanding. “You will succeed.”

The rival princess stepped into the circle, her icy blue eyes gleaming in the moonlight. She wore a sleek, black training outfit that allowed movement without restriction, her fangs glinting faintly. “Finally,” she said, her voice a sharp whisper. “Let’s see if you are as strong as they say, little human.”

Aria’s hands began to glow faintly crimson. The energy within her pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat, and she felt it respond to her fear, her determination, and the simmering anger that had grown with each encounter in the court.

Lucian’s gaze hardened. “Remember—control, intent, focus. Do not let her provoke you. She will try.”

The duel began without ceremony. The princess moved first, swift and deadly, a blur of motion that aimed to test Aria’s reflexes. Instinctively, Aria raised her hands, a shield of crimson energy forming around her. The force of the princess’s strike hit the barrier with a violent clash, sending a shockwave that rattled the stone beneath their feet.

Aria stumbled back, but the shield held. Her blood pulsed faster, responding to her intent. She focused, letting the energy flow outward, extending her reach beyond the circle. A crimson tendril shot forward, brushing against the princess’s arm and forcing her to retreat a step.

The princess’s eyes narrowed, and she attacked again, faster, more aggressively. Aria blocked, dodged, and countered, her blood weaving around her like a living thing, protecting her, striking at her opponent, and responding to every motion. She was exhilarated, terrified, and alive in a way she had never experienced before.

Lucian’s voice echoed in her mind, guiding her through each movement. “Breathe. Flow. Respond—not react. Let your blood obey your intent, not your fear.”

Aria’s crimson aura flared, surrounding her like fire, and the rival princess faltered. For the first time, she hesitated, sensing the power that Aria had begun to command. The princess lashed out again, but Aria anticipated the movement, her blood forming a whip-like strike that cracked through the air, grazing the princess’s shoulder.

The princess hissed, but her eyes burned with a mixture of anger and fascination. “Not bad,” she admitted, circling Aria warily. “Perhaps you are stronger than I thought.”

Aria’s heart pounded. She had never felt such exhilaration mixed with fear. She realized that her blood, her curse, was not just a weapon—it was an extension of herself. And she could shape it, control it, and use it to defend herself… and to fight.

The duel intensified, each strike and block a dance of power and intent. Aria felt the rhythm of her blood, a living thing responding to her thoughts and emotions. She pushed harder, extending her aura, and the princess staggered, clearly struggling against the force.

Lucian’s presence was a constant anchor. Every time doubt flickered in her mind, she felt his power alongside hers, guiding, steadying, reminding her that she was not alone.

Finally, with a surge of concentration, Aria directed her blood into a focused strike, a beam of crimson energy that shot straight toward the princess. The princess barely managed to dodge, stumbling to the ground, her eyes wide with shock.

Aria’s knees buckled slightly, exhaustion creeping in, but she stood tall, her chest heaving. The rival princess rose slowly, her lips curled into a faint, reluctant smile. “Impressive,” she said, her voice tinged with respect. “You have… potential.”

Aria’s pulse raced. “I—I survived,” she whispered, hardly believing it.

Lucian stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Yes. But survival is only the beginning. Control is everything. And tonight, you have proven that you can command your power.”

The rival princess turned, her gaze still sharp but less hostile. “This is far from over,” she said. “Remember that, human. I will be watching. Always.”

Aria nodded, her hands still glowing faintly, the energy of her blood subsiding to a steady pulse. She had faced her first real challenge—and emerged victorious. Yet she knew the princess would not relent. The court was a dangerous place, filled with those who would test her, challenge her, and try to claim the power within her veins.

Lucian’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “You did well,” he said quietly. “Tonight, you were not just a student. You were a fighter. Remember that feeling. Remember your strength.”

Aria’s chest tightened, a mixture of pride and something else she could not name—desire, perhaps, or the thrill of having Lucian’s gaze fixed solely on her. She realized that her bond with him was more than protection—it was guidance, connection, and something that sent shivers down her spine.

The night stretched on, the training grounds quiet except for the lingering hum of Aria’s blood and the distant whispers of the castle. The rival princess had retreated, but the threat remained, a shadow over everything she did. Aria understood that this was only the beginning. Challenges, duels, and dangers awaited. The court would not show mercy, and enemies would not hesitate.

But for the first time, Aria felt ready. Her blood had awakened, her curse had begun to reveal its strength, and she had faced her first duel without faltering. She was no longer just a human caught in a world of vampires. She was something more—a force, a warrior, and Lucian’s cursed mate.

The shadows of the castle whispered around her, promising danger, intrigue, and trials that would push her to her limits. But Aria no longer feared them. She had power, control, and determination.

And the duel was only the first step.