As the celebration raged on, with laughter and music filling the air, Asa seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. She made her way to the balcony, a vast expanse of stone that stretched out into the night. The railing was adorned with intricate carvings, and the floor was made of polished marble that reflected the starlight above.
The night air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with the Milky Way visible as a bright, hazy streak across the horizon. The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe.
As Asa stepped out onto the balcony, she noticed a figure standing at the railing, gazing out at the night sky. The figure was shrouded in shadows, but as Asa approached, she saw that it was a man, holding a glass of wine in one hand.
Asa walked up beside him, her footsteps quiet on the marble floor. When her eyes met the man's, she smirked, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "I can imagine," she said, her voice low and husky. "It would only be you who wouldn't celebrate my return."
The man turned to face her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance. Asa's gaze locked onto his, and she felt a surge of satisfaction. It was Dougo, the boy who had bullied her mercilessly when she was just twelve years old.
But as she looked at him now, Asa felt no fear. She was no longer the timid, frightened girl she had once been. She was a woman, a woman with power and influence. If she desired, she could destroy Dougo with a mere whisper.
Dougo's eyes, once sharp and murderous, now seemed dull and faded. His face, once twisted in cruel amusement, now seemed pale and drawn. Asa's gaze swept over him, and she felt a sense of triumph. She was the one who had risen above her past, who had claimed her power and forged her own destiny.
And Dougo, the boy who had once tormented her, was now nothing more than a shadow of his former self.
"I have no intention of doing that anytime soon," he spoke, his voice cold and detached. His words only made her smirk deeper, her eyes glinting with amusement.
He still had that same resentful look in his eyes, the same scowl that had haunted her childhood. But Asa didn't care. She had long since surpassed him, and now she was the one looking down.
It was almost funny, really. Dougo was also a member of the organization under Master Khalid, but now Asa was the adoptive daughter of Master Khalid. She was above him in rank, and in every other way.
In combat, Asa was more experienced, more nimble, and a better fighter. She wouldn't waste five minutes fighting with him. The last fighting competition of the organization had proven that, when Asa had won against him and been named the champion.
Dougo scoffed, his eyes flashing with anger. "Neither will I wait for that day," Asa said, her voice dripping with mockery. "At least, I shouldn't expect anything from a person like you."
Dougo's face twisted in rage. "A person like me? What kind of person am I?"
Asa's smile was cruel. "The kind of person who is still asking who they are. It means you don't know what kind of person you are. What a shame. I would advise you to go and look at yourself in the mirror for a while. Maybe, just perhaps, the mirror would be generous enough to show you what kind of person you are."
Dougo's face turned red with anger, but he could do nothing but keep quiet. There was nothing he could do now, just like there had been nothing he could do for years.
But Asa knew that he was seething with anger, that he was still resentful of all the things he had done to her, but she was unwilling to do anything about it or take revenge. But she also knew that he was aware of the sweet revenge she had, watching him struggle to put his pride down and watching her rise up each time, while he struggled to make it to the top.
"The twentieth fight competition of the organization is this year," Dougo said, his voice more calm than before. "Will you join?"
Asa stared blankly at the sky, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Are you asking me to join?" she asked, her voice laced with mockery.
Dougo's eyes narrowed. "I think you should. You're the champion for the last four years."
Asa's smile was cruel. "I was the champion, yes. But if I join, I will surely win again. So, I'll pass it. It's time for someone else to be the champion. Maybe it could be you, isn't that all you've ever wanted?"
Dougo's face twisted in anger. "Winning the championship this year would mean nothing if you're not in. In order for me to become a champion worth remembering, I have to defeat you."
Asa's eyes glinted with amusement. "And you believe you can win against me? Is that it?" she asked, her voice confident and mocking.
Dougo turned to look at her, his eyes flashing with anger. He took a step forward, his face inches from hers. "I wasn't slacking off for the last four years while you were out," he growled. "I have improved a lot, reaching your capability. Yes, I can defeat you in one match."
Asa's blood boiled with excitement, seeing the fierce challenge in Dougo's eyes. It was about time he came to his senses.
"And do you think my capability has fallen, just because you say I'm still not a match for you? I mean it, Dougo. Out there, I have encountered more danger hovering over me, staying inside behind doors and practicing. You think you've improved? What have you improved in your life for the past ten years I've known you? Tell me. What have you improved?"
Asa's voice was laced with contempt, her eyes blazing with anger. "You still haven't changed, Dougo. You're still the fourteen-year-old boy who seems to think that girl you used to bully is still beneath you. If you want to reach my standard, I advise you to get out of your comfort zone and get out of here. See the real world outside. I won't be here forever, so stop wasting your time on me. Grow up, Dougo."
Dougo's face twisted in anger as he clenched his fist, his eyes blazing with resentment. Asa hadn't meant to say all of that, but she couldn't help it - he was just so annoying.
"I will make sure you join the competition," Dougo growled, his voice low and menacing. With that, he turned and started on his journey, leaving Asa to chuckle softly as she watched him go.
Her eyes met those of Omran, the magistrate, who seemed to have been standing there for a while, observing the exchange between Asa and Dougo. As Dougo passed him, the two men exchanged a cold, silent glance, the tension between them palpable.
Asa turned her back on the magistrate, gazing out at the city below. She could sense Omran's eyes on her, and soon he stepped up beside her, his voice low and smooth.
"You sounded very eloquent and fearless back there. Is it true that you're not going to join the competition? I think I would love to see you hand Dougo his ass."
Asa's expression remained serious and expressionless, her eyes fixed on the city below. "Why are you here, Magistrate?" she asked, her voice firm.
Omran smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I asked you first - are you not going to join the competition this year?" he pressed, his voice calm and measured.
Asa's gaze flicked to his, her eyes narrowing slightly. Omran's grin deepened, and he continued, "Okay, then let's make a deal. I'll answer your question, and you answer mine."
Asa stared at him blankly, her expression unyielding. Omran chuckled and took the invitation to speak. "Don't you find it strange that all the eligible bachelors are in this celebration?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Asa's gaze never wavered, but a small smile played on her lips. "It seems Master Khalid intends to marry you off," Omran said, his voice laced with humor.
When Asa heard that, she chuckled, a low, throaty sound. "So, have you come to propose?" she asked, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Omran's grin deepened. "Shouldn't I, if the chance is given?" he asked, his voice smooth and confident.
Asa scoffed, her expression incredulous. "You must be crazy," she said, turning her back on him and starting to walk away, frustration etched on her face.
Omran watched her go, a smirk still playing on his lips. She was really awesome - how could he let her slip away?
As Asa entered the hall, she saw her father, Master Khalid, talking to a group of young men, Madam Farheen by his side. Asa sighed, feeling a sense of resignation wash over her. She walked over to her father's side, taking his hand in hers.
"Father, I've had enough for now. I should go and rest," she said, her voice soft and tired.
Master Khalid paused, his eyes concerned. "Oh, you should. You've had a long journey," he said, smiling.
Madam Farheen stepped forward, her voice warm and solicitous. "I should assist you through the night," she suggested.
Asa shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "No, I'm fine," she said, bidding them goodbye and leaving for her room.