Haunted Nights
Arian sitting on his bunk in the barracks, moonlight spilling through, staring at his dagger while other recruits sleep. Arian couldn't sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Karim's face the blood, the gasp, the collapse.
But strangely… the horror began to dull. With each passing night, the weight of guilt faded, replaced by something sharper: focus.
….…
The League wasted no time. His second mission came only a week later.
This time: a soldier who betrayed his oath.
Arian tracked him through the alleys of Jalalabad. The man turned, saw him, and raised his blade unlike the helpless merchant, this target fought back.
Steel clashed in the night. Arian's body moved as Khalid had drilled into him low stance, fast strikes, using speed over strength.
When his dagger found the soldier's throat, Arian did not hesitate. He killed cleanly, almost… professionally.
Arian (thinking, steady this time):
Crouched with his dagger dripping, city lights glowing below. No fear in his eyes now "The first cut breaks the soul. Every cut after… sharpens it."
Back at the fortress, whispers spread among the trainees. Arian was advancing faster than expected faster than most.
That's when Darius entered the stage.
Older, taller, eyes like a hawk. He had been training for years before Arian's arrival. And he hated how the boy from nowhere was rising through the ranks.
Darius (mocking):
"Two kills and you think you're one of us? You're still just a village rat who got lucky."
Arian didn't respond. He had learned silence was more powerful than words. But his calm only fueled Darius' anger.
The tension exploded during sparring practice.
Khalid had paired them together, perhaps deliberately.
At first, wooden blades clashed as expected. But then Darius struck harder, faster, aiming to humiliate. He knocked Arian to the ground and sneered.
Darius (snarling):
"You don't belong here."
But when Arian rose, there was no fear in his eyes only cold resolve. He launched forward, movements precise, sharp, deadly. Within seconds, his wooden blade was at Darius' throat.
Gasps filled the courtyard.
Arian standing over Darius, wooden blade at his neck, while Khalid watches with the faintest smirk.
Khalid (low, approving):
"Remember this moment, Darius. The wolf cub grows fangs faster than the lion expects."
Later that night, Darius confronted Arian again. But this time, there was no mocking in his tone only grudging respect.
Darius:
"You're dangerous. I still think you are not made for this… but I'd rather have you beside me than behind me."
Arian studied him, silent for a long time, then finally nodded.
Arian (quietly):
"Then stand beside me. Just don't get in my way."
And thus, a rivalry turned into a fragile alliance, two wolves sharpening each other's fangs, destined to clash again when the time came.
"To be Continued"