The arena was already being cleaned. Outside, commoners still sang his name through the streets, but Lukas had slipped away to a quiet corner near the torch-lit columns.

  Amelia, the Winter archer, approached. Her mana-forged ice bow rested on her back, but her eyes gleamed differently now.

  — You fight… strangely, she said, arms crossed. Like someone who’s already faced far stronger enemies. Like a veteran trapped in a boy’s body.

  Lukas glanced at her, shy but steady. — I just… got tired of crying. The blood of the Sun awakened. I’m not a normal sun… I’m an eclipse.

  Amelia blushed, caught off guard by his tone. — An eclipse, huh? …Maybe you are.

  He smirked, trying to tease. — Without even knowing it, you can’t handle pressure, Amelia.

  Her face went scarlet. — W-what?!

  Inside his mind, Morgana burst out laughing. — Oh, chocolatinho… did you really say that to a lady? Aníbal’s gonna kill you!

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  César shouted, horrified: — Purge that violet-black energy right now! Come back to the light before it’s too late!

  Lukas blinked, lost. — What did I even say?

  Amelia looked away, her ears burning. — Y-you’ll find out… if you ever test it. But Aníbal can’t know. We’re not even married yet. Among Winter Elves… that’s taboo.

  She drew a deep breath and looked at him again — shy, yet determined. — But if it’s you… our savior… after that beautiful eclipse… maybe it’s fine. Just promise you’ll take care of me. Don’t leave me behind.

  — Huh? — Lukas choked, utterly lost.

  Morgana nearly fell over laughing. — Hopeless chocolatinho! She just handed you the key to her heart and you’re still standing there drooling.

  Before she could continue, César cut in, furious: — Enough! No more violet temptations or elven taboos! Time to celebrate — a legionary deserves a victory. A fine sweet red wine, that’s what we need!

  Lukas rubbed his face and sighed, half-laughing. — I’ll never have peace, will I?

  Amelia, cheeks still red, smiled softly. — You decide.

  Lukas, clueless: — Let’s just get out of here. Too much noise.

  Amelia nodded, flustered, and followed him — eyes lingering on the lean boy who would one day become a legend… one bright enough to outshine even Kyros, the Thunder Phantom.

  ?? End of Chapter 24