The day of Hiro's wedding arrived, and everyone was buzzing with excitement and preparation. Sadi always kept himself away from crowds and the chaos that accompanied such grand events. He preferred solitude, finding comfort in the quiet corners. But Laura tried to involve Sadi in preparation; after all, it was his brother's ceremony. Sadi could not ignore his mother's demand, as he loved his mother the most.
The Draconis realm buzzed with preparations, every corner filled with decorations of flowers and laughter as it was the head's son's wedding ceremony. Guests from the allied realms enhanced the magnificence of the occasion. The marriage between Hiro and Anna, the daughter of Eldoria Prime's chief, was more than a personal union; it was a political one. It was a deal of two powerful realms. After a few hours, the deal was going to be for real.
At the ceremony, people from Celestoria, Imperion, Aegisara, and some high-ranking martial arts realm's chief families were invited. Though it seemed they had a good relationship with each other, actually it was not true. Everyone had the ambition to be number one and rule over other realms. But among the powers, they needed one thing the most—and that was celestial power, which was encapsulated in the legendary celestial stone.
It had said to grant unimaginable strength to whoever possessed it. For centuries, the Celestoria realm, the strongest one, had been entrusted with the celestial stones of the zodiac's protection. It was a responsibility that not only cemented their status but also that they could rule the other realms. But nowadays a rumor had begun to spread like fire that the celestial stones were lost. Whispers of this catastrophe reached the ears of the other realms, adding their suspicions. Despite the rumor, the chief of Celestoria denied it, insisting that the stone was safe and sound. But the other high-ranking realms seemed not fools; they were well aware of the tension beneath the chief's assurances.
Amidst the joyful moment, Aegisara's chief, Kai, gave a sidelong glance at Dimitri, the son of Celestoria's chief. Dimitri sat apart from the senior warriors, exuding a controlled presence. The pride of the realm's power was evident in his presence, which he could not suppress on his face.
"Won't your father come?" Kai asked casually.
Dimitri raised his brows, his expression unreadable, cold, and controlled.
"He is not well," Dimitri answered coldly.
His voice was as cold as his gaze.
With a drink in hand, Kai casually mentioned, "We've got the selection competition happening in just two days. Maybe for that your father is tense."
Dimitri chuckled, "Like every time, we will win again. So, there is nothing for my father to worry about."
Kai made a disappointed look. He narrowed his eyes, leaning slightly closer, and said, "Who knows what might happen? Confidence is okay, but overconfidence is not."
Dimitri finished his drink and stood up from the ground. He gave a sharp look to Kai before leaving.
"We were born to possess the stone, not to lose it."
"So overconfidence is in our blood."
Dimitri's tone edged with a threat. Kai kept his gaze locked on Dimitri's path, his words hanging in the air like a threat to everyone.
"That boy is a hard-mouthed one; he doesn't listen to anyone," said James, the chief of Imperion, who had overheard.
"Try to avoid him; he doesn't have a good reputation."
Without uttering a word, Kai's attention was completely absorbed in Dimitri's presence.
Dimitri angrily stormed out of the chamber, but in a hurry, he bumped into Sadi, who was quietly passing by.
Dimitri said, barely glancing at him, "Watch your steps."
Sadi arched his brows but chose not to say anything. Dimitri made his way quickly; Sadi kept his gaze locked on him for a moment, and then he continued with his tasks.
As Sadi made his way to the backyard, intending to finish his work, he heard whispers and faint laughter. He arched his brows when the sound slowly became audible. His curiosity piqued, and as he drew closer, he heard it was a man and a woman talking in low, intimate tones.
Sadi followed the sound, his steps cautious. His brows arched as he finally peeked. As he peeked at the corner, he became frozen in place at what he spotted.
It was Sophia and Thor, Anna's brother. They entwined in each other's arms. It could be said that they had been having an affair for so long. The view hit Sadi like a punch to the gut.
Sophia stammered in shock when she saw Sadi standing behind them.
"Sadi!"
She quickly pulled herself away from Thor, her face pale with tension.
Sadi's face was stern. He controlled his emotions tightly. He liked Sophia since childhood but never had the courage to express his feelings to her directly.
"What… what are you doing here?" Sophia asked, her voice trembling.
"It's my home, Sophi. So, I can go anywhere I want," Sadi answered in a bitter tone. Despite being hurt, he did not express it on his face.
"Yes, anyway, I..." Sophia was about to say something, but Sadi interrupted, "Why did you betray me in this way?"
"Betray!" Sophia suddenly became hyper. But she maintained her composure, turned her face back to Thor, and again looked at Sadi.
"What are you saying?"
Sophia's face became flushed, but it was not because of guilt; it was in tension and nervousness.
"I saw what you guys were doing and heard the whispers," Sadi said in an unwavering tone.
Sophia suddenly reacted.
"What?"
"You were seriously eavesdropping on us?"
"This is too much, Sadi," Sophia said, casting an angry look, her voice rising.
"You are my fiancé, Sophi. You've offended me multiple times. But this! I won't accept it; you cheated on me," Sadi said, his tone stern.
Sophia's anger was palpable; she did wrong, but she had no guilt about it. She tightened her grip and asked, her tone carrying challenges, "What do you mean by you won't accept it?"
"And do you have any self-respect, Sadi?"
"Do you think I deserve a man like you?"
The weight of Sophia's hurtful words hung heavy in Sadi's heart; he tightened his grip.
It was enough; Sadi made up his mind; if it was, then there was no turning back.