Alarion's fists unclenched as he forced himself to breathe. Alive. Unscarred. Free. The memory of the execution square and Zaveren's blade still burned in his mind, but now he had a second chance. A life to play carefully, to twist in his favor.
The door to his chamber opened without warning, and Soryn Vael stepped inside. His dark auburn hair gleamed under the morning sunlight, perfectly styled as always, framing a face that could charm or intimidate with ease. Emerald green eyes fixed on Alarion with that familiar mix of teasing arrogance and sharp calculation.
"Well, look who decided to finally get up," Soryn said, voice smooth, confident, almost predatory. "You're taking your time this morning or maybe just thinking you can outwit everyone from the comfort of your bed."
Alarion let his silver-gold hair fall over his forehead, tugging at the strands just enough to look unconcerned. "I could ask the same of you," he said evenly, his violet eyes steady. "It's early, and yet here you are, barging in like you own the place."
Soryn smirked, stepping closer with an easy dominance that made Alarion instinctively straighten. "Barging in?" he said, voice low, teasing, yet sharp. "Please. I'm checking on my cousin. And maybe… making sure he hasn't grown soft while sleeping."
Alarion's lips curved into a slow, calculated smile. "Soft? Hardly. But I see someone's feeling… territorial."
Soryn chuckled, emerald eyes glinting. "Territorial? Maybe. Or maybe I just like reminding everyone that I get what I want first." He leaned casually against the doorframe, a posture that radiated control, confidence, and challenge all at once. "Especially when it comes to matters of… influence. Or attention. Or…" His gaze flicked ever so slightly, almost teasingly, toward Alarion's sharp features, silver-gold hair, and violet eyes. "…the people who matter."
Alarion's chest tightened, but he forced his expression calm. This cousin of his flirtatious, cunning, dominant was the kind of rival he could respect… but also needed to watch. Soryn wasn't just charming. He was dangerous, ambitious, and very aware of his power over others.
"You're confident," Alarion said, voice level, eyes never leaving Soryn's. "Too confident, perhaps."
Soryn stepped closer, the smirk never leaving his face. "Confident? No, I'm careful. Calculated. And don't forget it, cousin. One day, you might realize how easy it is to be outmaneuvered… if you aren't careful."
He straightened, gave one last teasing glance, and finally turned to leave. "I'll be around," he said, voice smooth, leaving no doubt that he expected to be noticed. "Watch your steps."
The door clicked shut, leaving Alarion alone, silver-gold hair falling into his violet eyes. He let out a slow breath. Soryn had changed too. More dominant, more confident, more dangerous.
And the game his game was just beginning.
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