Saaransh stood by the window, deep in his thoughts as

  Alistair finished his measured words. The light of early morning had barely

  crept through the tall windows of the chamber, which cast long, wavering

  shadows that danced along the polished floor. His dark eyes, calm yet filled

  with quiet intensity, reflected not just the light but the weight of

  expectations pced upon him.

  So, by your words, I figured out that our rivals are coming

  sooner than I expected.

  The ever-watchful retainer of the Stoneheart family, he

  replied in a low, steady tone.

  "Yes, young master. Your cousin's arrival has been confirmed. You must

  be prepared for it."

  His voice held the authority of someone who had seen much

  in his long years of service, and his gaze never wavered for even a second from

  Saaransh.

  Just then, the sound of measured footsteps echoed from the

  corridor outside. The soft but insistent sound brought with it a reminder of

  duty. Moments ter, Sylvaine appeared in the doorway, her tone was brisk as

  she addressed her brother.

  "Saaransh, come on. You have been

  cooped up in your room for such a long time now, it is time to face the day."

  Saaransh turned towards her, his dark eyes were steady and

  unreadable.

  "Alright, Sylvaine. I am coming."

  Together they both stepped out of the room and walked down

  the grand corridors of the estate. The morning light filtered through the tall,

  arched windows, casting long shadows on the marble floor. Servants bowed in

  quiet respect as they passed, their eyes lowered in deference to the family

  they served. Yet amidst the bustling routine, Saaransh's mind was solely focused on the

  meeting that may define his future.

  Sylvaine led the way, her small yet authoritative figure

  cut against the elegance of the estate.

  "Father wants to see you, and our

  cousins have already arrived."

  They soon reached the pace gate, where a small wagon

  awaited their presence. The wagon wheels creaked to a stop on the stone route,

  and then two figures stepped out. One was a young man who was around Saaransh's age. He carried himself with an air

  of arrogance, and his every step exuded a dismissive challenge. The other was a

  young girl around the age of eleven, one year younger than Sylvaine.

  The young boy stepped forward first, a smirk forming on his

  face.

  "Greetings, cousin. I am Aldric

  Stoneheart. I suppose that you have been training well? Uncle always expects

  the best from you, but I wonder if you really can back it up."

  Not long after, the young girl stepped forward with a

  slight bow and a timid smile on her face.

  "And I am Era Stoneheart. Do you

  think you will be as strong as the rumors about you say, cousin?"

  Her soft smile carried a blend of curiosity and hope as if

  she believed in the promise of greatness that hung over her family.

  Saaransh smirked a bit.

  "I intend to earn every single bit of

  strength. True power is not passed down to someone, true power is forged with a

  tremendous amount of rigorous training."

  Sylvaine raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing.

  "You certainly act like you have grown

  up. Father said you have to prove your strength today."

  Aldric let out a ugh, his voice ced with arrogance

  "Rigorous training, huh? Bold words

  from someone who is still hiding behind empty ambition and goals. We will see

  if you can back them up when the right time comes."

  Saaransh met his cousin's challenge with unwavering eyes.

  "Dreams are for those who settle. I

  pn to carve my destiny."

  Aldric scoffed, his eyes fshing with defiance.

  "We will see about that. I hope you are

  ready to face reality because the awakening ceremony is just by the door now."

  "I don't fear reality, I want to master it,

  regardless of who stands in my way."

  A brief silence fell between them for a moment, heavy with

  unspoken challenge and rivalry. The cold wind that swept the courtyard seemed

  to echo the tension between them, stirring the dust as if nature itself waited

  for this conflict.

  Sylvaine, standing off to the side, whispered almost to

  herself,

  "This is only the beginning."

  Saaransh's reply was firm and resolute.

  "Then let it begin. I don't intend to live in anyone's shadow, not even Father's."

  Aldric's mocking grin widened as he replied,

  "We will see if you can rise above your

  limits, little cousin."

  His tone held both arrogance and a hint of provocation,

  daring Saaransh to prove himself.

  Finally, the tension reached its boiling point. Saaransh's eyes narrowed as he spoke quietly,

  with an unmistakable smirk

  "Your arrogance is nothing but a

  fragile mask, Aldric. It binds you to your own mistakes."

  Aldric's face twisted in anger, his voice

  rising sharply as he retorted.

  "What did you say? Do you dare try and

  mock me? I have earned every bit of respect and strength while you hide behind

  empty promises!"

  Saaransh let out a small chuckle.

  "You are here calling me little

  brother, yet you can't

  even handle a bit of provocation, huh?"

  Aldric's fury ignited, veins popping out of

  his neck and forehead.

  "Shut your goddamn mouth, Saaransh

  Stoneheart!"

  Undeterred, Saaransh replied with a teasing tone.

  "Why should I stop? You cannot do

  anything to me if you are all talk."Aldric's

  composure faltered for a moment as he tried to regain control.

  "Don't you dare question me! The Stoneheart

  legacy is built by strength, and I am its living example!"

  Saaransh raised an eyebrow, his voice low and calm.

  "Is that so? Then why don't we settle it right here, right now?

  Let us see if you can back those big words with your skills."

  Aldric's eyes gleamed with arrogance.

  "Oh, you want a spar? Fine, little

  cousin, I will show you what real strength looks like!"

  For a second, the courtyard fell silent. The air itself

  seemed to hold its breath as the moment of truth arrived.

  Aldric's voice rang out in challenge.

  "Prepare yourself, Saaransh. Let us see

  if you can stand up to me without hiding behind your fancy words."

  Saaransh's bck eyes remained calm as he

  spoke.

  "I am ready when you are, Aldric."

  Before a single blow could be exchanged, a sudden,

  unexpected shout pierced the silence of the courtyard. It came from the pace

  gate.

  "Halt! This challenge will wait."

  At that moment, both of them froze, their spar halted.

  Saaransh's dark, mysterious eyes met Aldric's burning gre. Rivalry, ambition,

  and the weight of their shared legacy cshed in that charged silence, hinting

  at a battle that was yet to come.