The sun rose, shining all bright and golden over the kingdom of Silverveil, casting its warm rays on the towering spires and winding streets of the city. Excitement buzzed through the air like the humming of bees in summer. Today was no ordinary day, no it wasn't. it was the long-awaited Rogue Tournament, a contest that had never been held in silverveil.
From every corner of the kingdom, villagers had arrived, flooding the capital with their chatter and color. Children sat on shoulders, eager to see the warriors. Merchants called out, selling roasted nuts and hand flags, and the sweet scent of candied apples filled the morning breeze.
The royal stadium, a large circular structure carved from stone and ancient wood, loomed ahead with banners flapping in the wind. Families hurried in, climbing rows of stone seats until every bench was filled. Murmurs and laughter filled the space as they waited.
At the top of the arena, far above the villagers, was a grandstand shaped like a crescent moon and carved into the mountain itself, the Royal high table Velvet-lined and gilded with gold, it offered a clear view of the games below.
There, Alpha Lucian sat proudly on his ornate throne. Beside him sat Luna Jamayah, tall and graceful, her silver-streaked braids gleaming in the sun. She leaned forward, scanning the seats.
She frowned.
"Garrett," she said quietly, turning to her son,
"where is your sister?"
Garrett shrugged, clearly unbothered.
"She said she'd be here, Mother."
Luna Jamayah sighed, her fingers tightening around the armrest. "Gods help me," she muttered under her breath. She was just about to motion to Philus to go retrieve the princess, when a deep voice rang across the stadium.
"Hear ye, hear ye!" cried the royal announcer, stepping forward with a staff in hand.
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Amaya, daughter of the moon and flame!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
Amaya entered with grace, wearing a deep crimson cloak that shimmered in the light. Her dark curls were tied back, and her eyes sparkled as she made her way up the polished steps of the royal stand. She smiled warmly, kissing her father's cheek before taking the seat beside her mother.
"You kept us waiting," Luna Jamayah whispered.
"I wanted to walk with the people a little," Amaya replied, still catching her breath.
"It's good to be among them."
Alpha Lucian raised his hand, commanding the crowd's attention. "Let the Tournament of Rogues begin!"
The trumpets sounded, and the crowd clapped and whistled as the gates on either side of the arena opened. Two knights rode in on horseback, clad in armor and bearing long spears. The ground rumbled as their horses trotted to their marks.
Amaya leaned toward Garrett, who sat on her other side.
"Who do you support?"
Garrett grinned.
"The one on the brown horse. He looks tougher."
Amaya smirked.
"I haven't seen enough to choose."
The announcer raised his staff.
"Round One, Jousting!"
The two knights charged, dust kicking up as their horses bolted forward. Spears aimed and shields braced, they met with a thunderous clash. One knight was nearly thrown from his horse, barely staying on as the other raised his spear in victory.
The crowd roared.
"Well," Garrett teased, turning to his sister with a grin,
"It seems my knight has won one. Told you."
He puffed his chest slightly.
The defeated knight bowed and left the field, while the victor moved on to the next round.
"Round Two, Archery!" the announcer declared.
A new set of targets rose from the earth, and the remaining competitors stepped forward. Among them was a tall figure in black armor with no house crest on his chest, a rogue. The one from the joust stood beside him, bow in hand.
Amaya leaned in.
"Any bets, brother?"
Garrett grinned.
"I'm sticking with the winner from round one."
Amaya narrowed her eyes at the rogue. His stance was calm, his breathing steady.
"Then I'll go with the dark knight," she said with a playful smirk.
One by one, the archers shot their arrows. The crowd gasped and clapped as arrows pierced bullseyes and splintered targets. When it was done, the rogue's arrow was embedded perfectly in the center of the farthest target.
Garrett groaned as Amaya clapped, chuckling softly.
"You might want to pick better next time." She whispered to him.
Garrett grumbled under his breath.
Only two knights remained now, the brown-horse knight and the rogue.
"Final Round," the announcer bellowed,
"Sword Skill!"
The crowd hushed as the rogue stepped forward, unsheathing a long, curved blade. His opponent did the same, but before either could strike, a new figure stepped into the arena, broad, powerful, and unmistakable. Commander Philus.
Amaya's eyes widened. "Wait, he's fighting the commander?"
She turned to her father, alarmed.
"Is this fair? A new warrior against our chief commander?"
Alpha Lucian grinned, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Would you rather take his place?"
"Father!" she exclaimed, nudging him. He only laughed, deep and proud. The battle began.
Blades clashed, ringing out like bells. Philus was a seasoned warrior, moving with precision and strength. But the rogue was quick, too quick. He dodged with ease, sidestepped blows that should have landed, and retaliated with speed and skill. The crowd watched in stunned silence.
Philus lunged, but the rogue twisted, ducked, and landed a clean strike on the commander's side. Philus stumbled, caught off guard. The crowd exploded into applause. Even Alpha Lucian stood, his face filled with surprise and admiration.
"Impressive."
The rogue sheathed his sword and bowed before walking toward the royal stand. He moved with quiet confidence, each step measured and calm. He stopped before them and knelt.
Lucian nodded.
"Rise, soldier. Remove your helmet."
The rogue stood tall and removed his helmet, revealing tousled dark hair, sharp features, and familiar eyes. Amaya gasped softly. She leaned forward, recognition washing over her like a wave. "Darkota," she whispered.
It was him, the mysterious rogue who had protected her during that strange storm weeks ago, when shadowy winds had whipped across the courtyard and before her guards could get her. He had come from nowhere and held the winds at bay with nothing but his strength and courage.
He looked up at her, and for the briefest moment, their eyes locked.