The first rays of dawn broke over the city of Valdor, spilling golden light across the towering spires of the castle. Alexius stood on the balcony of his chambers, his twin swords resting against the balustrade. The cool morning air brushed his face, carrying with it the distant hum of activity from the arena below. The final match had set the entire kingdom alight with anticipation. Merchants hawked their wares, bards sang songs of the tournament's champions, and the people speculated who would emerge victorious.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Lena entered, her hands carrying a tray with a simple meal and a fresh set of bandages.
"The arena's already filling up," she said softly, setting the tray down. "They're expecting a spectacle."
Alexius gave a faint nod, his gaze fixed on the arena. "They'll get one," he replied, his voice calm but laced with tension. He glanced at Lena as she began unwrapping the bandages from his shoulder. Her hands moved with practiced care, revealing the fresh scars and bruises from his battle with Selene.
"You shouldn't even be fighting today," she muttered. "Your body needs rest, not another clash."
Alexius shook his head. "If I stop now, I'll lose more than just the fight." He picked up one of his swords, running his fingers along the edge. The steel gleamed in the morning light, sharp and unyielding. "I have to face him."
Lena paused, her expression conflicted. "Aldric… he's not like the others. He won't hesitate to break you if it means proving his superiority."
"Then I'll make him hesitate," Alexius said firmly. His resolve was unshakable, but the weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on his shoulders.
As the final preparations for the match were underway, Alexius made his way through the castle halls. The corridors were quieter than usual, the tension of the upcoming duel casting a solemn shadow over the court. Near the entrance to the arena, he crossed paths with Tobias.
"Alexius," Tobias called out, stepping closer. "You've impressed me more than I thought possible. But this fight… it's not like the others. Aldric isn't just fighting for victory. He's fighting to prove a point. To crush you."
Alexius met Tobias's gaze. "I know."
"Then you also know he won't hold back," Tobias continued. "You've come far, Alexius, but this match is going to push you beyond your limits. Be ready for anything."
Alexius nodded, appreciating the rare moment of solidarity. "Thank you, Tobias."
Before he could say more, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Aldric approached, his imposing figure clad in resplendent golden armor. His sword rested casually on his shoulder, the blade's edge gleaming ominously. He stopped a few paces away, his gaze fixed on Alexius.
"Enjoying your last moments of peace, little brother?" Aldric said, his tone dripping with disdain. "You should savor them. Once we step into that arena, there will be no mercy."
Alexius didn't flinch. "I wouldn't expect any from you."
Aldric's lips curved into a smirk. "Good. At least you've learned one thing." With that, he turned and strode toward the arena, his confident strides echoing down the corridor. Tobias placed a hand on Alexius's shoulder.
"Stay focused," Tobias said quietly. "You've already proven you're not the same boy we all underestimated. Now show him."
The arena roared with life as Alexius stepped onto the sands. Thousands of voices called his name, their cheers blending into a cacophony of anticipation. Across from him, Aldric entered with an air of authority, his golden armor catching the light like a beacon. The two brothers faced each other, their contrasting forms a striking image—Alexius, lean and agile, his twin swords held in a loose grip; Aldric, a towering figure of strength and precision, his massive blade resting effortlessly in his hands.
King Lucian stood from the royal box, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. "Today, we witness the final match of this year's tournament. Two brothers stand before us, each seeking victory. May this battle determine the future of Valdor."
The King raised his hand, then brought it down sharply. "Begin!"
Aldric moved first, a blur of golden steel as he closed the distance between them. Alexius barely had time to react, crossing his swords to block the overhead strike. The impact sent shockwaves through his arms, the sheer force of Aldric's attack driving him back several paces.
"Is that all you've got?" Aldric sneered, swinging his blade in a wide arc. Alexius ducked under the strike, retaliating with a quick slash aimed at Aldric's flank. The elder prince twisted away, his movements fluid despite his heavy armor.
The brothers exchanged blows in a flurry of steel, their weapons colliding with sparks and ringing echoes. Alexius's speed and agility allowed him to evade Aldric's powerful strikes, but each dodge cost him precious energy. Aldric, for his part, moved with calculated precision, his strikes growing closer with each attempt.
Aldric feinted to the left before delivering a brutal kick to Alexius's chest. The younger prince staggered, gasping for breath as Aldric followed up with a slash that grazed his shoulder. Blood seeped through the torn fabric, the wound shallow but painful.
"You can't win this," Aldric taunted, his voice calm and confident. "You're nothing but a shadow of what a true prince should be."
Alexius gritted his teeth, forcing himself to ignore the pain. He circled Aldric, searching for an opening. With a sudden burst of speed, he lunged forward, his swords flashing in a coordinated attack. Aldric blocked the first strike but missed the second, which sliced across his thigh. The crowd gasped as Aldric stumbled slightly, a thin line of blood staining his golden armor.
Aldric's expression darkened. "You'll pay for that."
The intensity of the battle escalated, both brothers pushing themselves to their limits. Alexius's twin swords danced through the air, forcing Aldric to stay on the defensive. But Aldric's strength and endurance began to show; each of his strikes carried devastating force, and Alexius struggled to deflect them without faltering.
As the fight raged on, Aldric landed a crushing blow that sent Alexius sprawling to the ground. The younger prince rolled away just in time to avoid a follow-up strike, but he couldn't escape unscathed. Blood trickled from a fresh gash on his side, his breathing labored.
Aldric advanced, his blade raised for another strike. "This ends now," he declared.
But Alexius, despite the pain coursing through his body, raised his swords once more. His eyes burned with determination, refusing to yield. As Aldric brought his blade down, Alexius surged forward, his swords meeting the attack head-on.
The collision sent a shockwave through the arena, both brothers gritting their teeth as their weapons locked. Time seemed to stand still as the crowd watched, breathless. The strain was evident on both fighters, their bodies pushed to the brink.
And then, with a sudden twist of his blade, Aldric broke the lock and landed a devastating slash across Alexius's chest. Alexius stumbled back, blood staining his tun