The torches that lit the corridors of the coliseum cast flickering shadows on the stone walls, their flames fighting against the darkness that seemed to emanate from the very heart of the Demon Realm. Sophia walked at a slow pace, her senses heightened after the intense first round of the Aren. Though she had managed to remain on her feet, the scars of battle still burned on her skin, reminding her of how dangerous her opponents were.
Back in her chambers, Sophia slumped onto a dark wooden bench, exhausted. The weight of her silver armor was a constant reminder of the recent fight, but instead of stripping it off, she lay still, allowing the tension in her muscles to ease. She knew she couldn't afford to let her guard down, not in a place where the walls seemed to have ears and rivals waited around every corner.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. Sophia sat up quickly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. The door creaked open and Belthar, her mentor, strode in. His dark eyes regarded her with a mixture of approval and concern.
—Lo ha hecho bien, Sophia. —He said, his deep voice filling the small room. —, but things will only get more complicated from now on.
Sophia acknowledged, her mind still processing the recent battle. Elara, Calantha, Xanthe, Lysandra... They had all come to be formidable adversaries, each with their own skills and strategies. And they all shared the same goal: to win the Demon King's favor and become his next fiancée.
—Belthar —said Sophia, breaking the silence —, I need to know more about them. I can't keep fighting blindly.
Belthar crossed his arms, looking at her with a piercing gaze.
—Very well. But remember that information can be as dangerous as it is useful. Here in the Aren, a miscalculated alliance can mean death.
Sophia knew Belthar was right. She had seen the intrigues and betrayals that had torn other candidates apart in past Arenas. However, she also knew that facing her rivals alone would be an impossible task. She needed allies, but choosing them carefully would be key.
—Let's start with Elara —Sophia suggested —. She seemed… different from the others.
Belthar nodded .
—Elara is known as "The Flower of Death" for a reason. Her power over flowers is not limited to beauty; each petal is a weapon, each flower a poison. Her family has a long history of producing skilled assassins, and Elara is the best of her generation. But… not everything about her is as it seems. She has been isolated from the rest of the candidates, always in the shadows, watching. She could be seeking an alliance, though she will never openly admit it.
Sophia considered the information, noting how Elara had remained on the sidelines for most of the first match, attacking only when she was sure her opponents were distracted.
—And Calantha? —Sophia asked, her memories of the attacking shadows still fresh in her mind.
Belthar sighed.
—Calantha, "The Shadow Dancer," is the daughter of one of the King's most influential advisors. She has been trained in the dark arts since childhood, and her mastery of the shadows is near perfect. Her loyalties are unclear, but what is clear is that she enjoys the game of intrigue. If you choose to approach her, beware; she will not hesitate to betray you if it suits her.
Sophia clenched her fists. Calantha was exactly the kind of opponent who could become an ally… or a traitor.
—And the others? Xanthe and Lysandra.
—Xanthe —continued Belthar — She is dangerous in a different way. The "Singer of the Night" has the power to manipulate music, and with it, the emotions of those who listen to it. She can make you feel invincible… or break you with a single note. Her family has a close relationship with the court, and she is known for being persuasive, even charming. But never forget that behind that smile, there is a calculating mind.
Belthar paused before speaking about the last candidate.
—Lysandra, the "Moon Sorceress," is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all. Her magic is tied to the moon, and that grants her fluctuating, but immense, power at the right times. Not much is known about her intentions, but some rumors say she's not interested in the throne... but in something much darker.
The room fell into a heavy silence after Belthar's words. Sophia felt a knot in her stomach. The other candidates were not only powerful; they were enigmas she had to unravel if she wanted to survive.
—So … —Sophia said, her voice firm despite her doubts. —, what is the next step?
Belthar walked to the window, looking out over the arena that would soon be filled with new dangers and challenges.
—The next step, Sophia, is deciding who you can trust… and who you can't. The Aren isn't just a test of strength; it's a test of will, of cunning. You'll need more than just your magic to emerge victorious. You must form your own alliances, but always keep an eye on your back. Remember that in the Demon Realm, darkness can be both a refuge and a deadly trap.
Sophia knew he was right. The path ahead was filled with shadows, some friendly, some treacherous. And in the midst of that whirlwind of darkness, she would have to find her own way to the light, or perish in the darkness.