Chapter 17: The First Trial
Aarav's heart—if it still beat—pounded with the weight of his visions. The memories were fractured, but they were real. He had seen his past life, felt the betrayal, tasted the power that once ran through his veins. And now, that power stirred again.
Veyron watched him with quiet satisfaction. "Good. But remembering is only the first step. Now, we see if you are still worthy of it."
Aarav narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"
Veyron gestured to the ruins. "This place is not just a relic of your past. It is a test. Your kingdom was built on strength, on dominance. The throne you once sat upon was not given—it was earned. And now, it will test you again."
The ground beneath them rumbled. The altar's glowing symbols pulsed violently, sending a surge of dark energy through the air. The temperature dropped, and the shadows around them began to twist and stretch.
Aarav took a step back, instinct screaming at him that something was wrong. "What's happening?"
Veyron smirked. "Your first trial. Survive it… and you will take your first step toward reclaiming your throne."
Before Aarav could respond, the shadows around him exploded into motion.
From the darkness, figures began to emerge—twisted, monstrous versions of himself. Their faces were his, but their eyes were empty voids, their fangs bared in hunger. They moved in unison, circling him like predators.
Aarav clenched his fists, his body tensing. "What the hell are these things?"
Veyron's voice was calm, almost amused. "Shades of your former self. Fragments of what you used to be, now twisted by time and decay. They will not stop until one of you falls."
The first shade lunged.
Aarav barely dodged, the creature's claws slicing through the air where his head had been. Instinct took over—he ducked low, driving his elbow into the shade's ribs. But it didn't flinch. It was fast. Too fast.
A second shade struck from behind. Aarav twisted, barely blocking, but pain flared through his side. He staggered back, cursing under his breath.
They weren't just fast.
They were stronger than him.
Veyron chuckled. "Come now, Kairos. Is this the strength of a king?"
Aarav growled. His instincts screamed at him to run—but no. He wasn't that person anymore. He wouldn't be weak.
The shades attacked again.
This time, Aarav didn't dodge. He met them.
His body moved before he could think. His fist connected with the nearest shade's face, the impact sending cracks through its form. The creature screeched, but Aarav didn't stop. He turned, driving his foot into another shade's chest, sending it flying backward.
The hunger inside him roared to life.
A shade lunged, fangs bared. Aarav caught it mid-air, his grip crushing its throat. Instinct took over. He fed.
Dark power surged through him as the shade dissolved into nothingness. The other shades hesitated.
Aarav exhaled slowly. The strength… it was intoxicating.
Veyron grinned. "Now you understand. Power is not given. It is taken."
The remaining shades rushed him in unison. But this time, Aarav didn't fight with hesitation. He let the power guide him, his movements sharp, deadly. The creatures fell one by one, their forms crumbling into dust.
And then, silence.
The ruins stopped trembling. The altar's glow faded. Aarav stood amidst the remains of his past selves, his breath steady, his hands drenched in shadowy remnants.
Veyron clapped slowly. "Impressive. You are learning."
Aarav looked down at his hands. He felt different. Stronger. Something inside him had shifted—unlocked.
He met Veyron's gaze. "What's next?"
Veyron's smile was razor-sharp. "Now, we prepare for war."
To be continued…