Bloodright

Chapter 5

Dawn arrived in an elegant parade of colors, as the first rays of sunlight stretched lazily over the regal spires of the castle. The day marked a turning point in the competition. It was the day the royal contestants would solidify their alliances, their bonds of partnership that would guide them through the looming challenges. Raiah watched them from the sidelines, her discerning gaze evaluating each competitor as they went through their morning routines.

Prince Valerian was up first, his form a silhouette against the morning sun. Flames danced around him, the pyrotechnic display speaking volumes about his command over fire. His focus was unwavering, his body language exuding an innate confidence. She watched as Princess Catalina observed him from afar, her fiery hair mirroring his dance of flames. It wasn't lost on Raiah that the princess herself was a formidable contender, her dragon shifting ability was like a legend come to life.

Following them were the siblings from Xuejiang, Princess Mei and Prince Jun Hie. The contrast between them was stark, the former's gentleness mirrored in her control of the air, while the latter's calculating nature reflected in his teleportation skill. Yet there was an underlying unity, a shared understanding that was tangible even from a distance.

As the morning proceeded, each royal made their presence known. Duchess Ying with her illusions, Duke Dakarai manipulating gravity with ease, Princess Anastasia manipulating ice in ways that could turn the warmest summer day into a winter wonderland, and Prince Nikolas creating impenetrable force fields.

Then there was Princess Ashanti. The enigmatic princess commanded the arena with her toxikinesis, demonstrating a power that held both life and death in balance. Raiah was struck by the subtle hint of dread that crossed the faces of the onlookers as Ashanti conjured a lethal mist, a testament to her deadly control over poisons.

Watching them all, Raiah couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for her homeland Ardiyah and the gift that ran in her bloodline, a gift that now seemed like a distant memory. She was pulled from her thoughts by a gust of wind, Mei's laughter echoing around the arena as she used her aerokinesis to lift the younger attendees off their feet, their squeals of delight filling the air.

The day rolled on, the looming Pairing Ceremony casting an excited hush over the bustling castle. Each royal would make their choice today, the first step in a path that would decide the future of Volarya. But amid the excitement and anticipation, Raiah found herself holding onto the words engraved on the mysterious dagger, the possible implications gnawing at her.

"Twir Saxa va Xyta, Gra Raxata," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the distant mountains, where shadows met light. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, Raiah knew that she was caught in a storm of uncertainty, her loyalty to her position, her king, and her unvoiced sympathy for the rebels churning inside her like a relentless sea. The day was far from over, and Raiah knew that the choices made today would ripple into the days and weeks to come.

The grand ballroom of the palace was awash in vibrant hues, the flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over the ornate decor. Lavish gowns swished and elaborate hairdos glistened, but beneath the guise of grandeur and pleasantries, Raiah knew what it all came down to. Power. Influence. The fate of nations.

She watched from the sidelines as the royals mingled, their laughter and conversations a mere prelude to the momentous decisions that would be made. She noticed the calculating glances, the subtle nods, and the unspoken agreements. It was a dance as old as the kingdom itself, and Raiah, despite her reservations, couldn't help but appreciate the intricate patterns it wove.

And then came the surprise of the evening.

Princess Ashanti and Princess Mei. Two strong, influential women, yet so remarkably different. Ashanti, with her commanding presence and the air of danger that surrounded her toxikinesis. Mei, with her gentle disposition and the loving control over the air around her. Raiah saw them standing side by side, their hands interlocked, a show of unity that sent a ripple through the room.