The thick wooden doors of the training room creak open as Baz, carrying the sparring dagger, leads Ambra and Lune inside. The walls of the room are adorned with weapon racks and various training dummies. A large, open space in the center acts as a makeshift arena.
Ambra had her cloak on, the dark fabric cascading over her silver hair and crimson eyes. The cloak serves as a simple disguise but also as a protection against the prying eyes that might discern her vampiric nature.
"This special open practice room is where we'll have our spar," Baz says, his voice tinged with genuine warmth. "This space will be warded—no magic will be effective here. And, with this dagger, I'll set up a conditional blood spell for our spar: if either participant shows true killing intent, they'll be sealed instantly."
Ambra nods, feeling slightly uneasy about fighting Baz without her magic or weapon. Even her other hidden skills are to be sealed off. It was like fighting with one arm tied behind her back. She feared she could only rely on her increased physical capabilities.
Lune senses her apprehension and taps her lightly on the shoulder. "You got this," he says, offering a gentle smile. "There's no one who can beat you."
His words instill some comfort, and Ambra smiles back. It's then that she notices Emil, Grant, and Laura on the other side of the room. They're in the midst of what seems to be a heated argument.
"What in the—? Why are you all here?" Ambra asks, puzzled.
Emil and Laura stop bickering and turn toward her. They salute, followed by a more subdued Grant.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world," Laura says, grinning. "I've got ten gold pieces riding on you."
"I told her it's disrespectful to bet on such things," Emil chides, rolling his eyes.
"And I told him he's just grumpy because he didn't think of it first," Laura counters, crossing her arms.
"Enough," Baz interrupts, his voice reverberating in the room. "They're only here to provide any immediate damage control should an... unforeseen situation occur. Same reason why Miss Lune is allowed here. Let's get started, shall we?"
Seeing Ambra's nod and the rest quiet down, Baz moved to the center of the room. A complex array of runes flashed on the floor, expanding to create a magical circle around him. "Step in when you're ready," he said, holding the dagger horizontally before him.
Taking a deep breath, Ambra stepped into the circle. As she did, the runes shimmered and glowed brighter, reacting to her presence. Baz murmured an incantation, and the dagger glowed, its light merging with the runes on the floor.
Baz chuckled, lifting the dagger with a reverence that spoke to its significance. "This blade carries an enchantment that can temporarily inhibit certain magical abilities. It's a precautionary measure to ensure trust. If you'll agree to be bound by its magic temporarily, I can be more assured of your intentions."
Lune's eyes met Ambra's, questioning. She could feel the unspoken words hanging in the air between them, a dance of doubts and trusts. Finally, Ambra nodded, looking back at Baz.
"Alright, I'll agree to your test."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Baz walked over to Ambra, the blade shimmering in his hands like a fallen star. With a carefully measured movement, he cut a small line across her palm. She winced, feeling the cold bite of the enchanted metal, followed by a peculiar numbness that crawled up her arm.
"For a while," Baz said, returning to his seat, "your abilities will be stifled, your magic powers sealed. If you're as noble as you claim, this shouldn't be a problem. Even if all that remains are your vampiric traits and hero training."
YOU ARE READING
Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!
FantasíaUsing her last breath, Ambra, the Hero tasked to save humanity, had finally achieved her objective. To vanquish the Vampire Queen. However, her mortal enemy had one final trick up her sleeve, in the ultimate twist of irony, Ambra was turned into wha...
