Son of Edelia: A Rising Dawn

Chapter 18

Adam was sitting at his desk reviewing his rigorous training schedule. His foot tapped wildly as he planned. Adam's time to allot training was ever-increasing as Adam had noticed what the commoners were lacking.

Training more on essential stamina and increasing their fundamental strength might also be necessary, Adam thought, leaning back.

As he leaned back, he saw Lucas and Elijah in a heated argument; Elijah was beet-red, venting his fury as Lucas recoiled and shied away from his anger. Adam shook his head dismissively, his mind drifting back to his dream the night before.

Maybe I should ask the professor. He might, at the very least, be able to contact someone who can help me. Adam thought, his eyes closed as he concentrated. Only to open them quickly as he heard the approach of heavy footfalls.

Lucas was striding toward Adam, his hands trembling slightly. His face was haunted as he locked eyes with him. He approached, plastering his most confident smile as he neared Adam.

"I'm glad you decided to reject Elijah's offer. It was good to see you with the people you belong with, those other dirty-blooded commoners." Lucas said, his voice dripping with venom as he spoke, his face twisted into a wicked scowl as the words left his mouth

Adam bristled, clenched his teeth, and inhaled sharply, barely containing himself. "Well, I figured it would be better for me to associate with the intellectuals of the class rather than with nobles like yourself," Adam replied, grinding his teeth as he spoke.

Adam's eyes darted to Elijah, who stood with arms crossed and a cocky smirk as he watched the argument. Lucas might be the one talking, but Elijah is clearly the one speaking. Adam thought.

Lucas flinched, his face reddening like a ripening tomato. "Well, I'm sure someone like you wouldn't be able to understand the complexities of talking between nobility." He paused, looking at Elijah, his hands trembling ever so slightly. The angry scowl wavered for a moment as he stammered.

Adam looked worriedly at Elijah, who nodded slowly. His smirk widened, and he locked eyes with Adam again, his eyes blazing with fury. The threat he spoke at breakfast came to the forefront of his mind.

"I mean, it's not like your commoner, gold-digging, succubus mother would be able to teach you proper noble etiquette." Lucas continued the color draining from his face as the words left his mouth.

Adam's eyes widened, his pupils dilated as his rage bubbled, and his hand drifted to his sword. His vision became blurry; he felt like a raging wildfire was lit within him, and the fire reddened his face. He clenched his fists, so tight rivulets of blood dripped down his palm. Adam's hand exploded forward, wrapping around Lucas' throat in an instant, tightening as he dragged him close. Adam felt a sudden tempest wash over him: his heart began to ache, longing to see his mother one final time; he felt his hands twitch, wanting to strike the pompous noble until he was unrecognizable. Adam glared, his eyes blazing with unrestrained fury, and his hand slowly tightened as he watched Lucas' terrified face.

"I Adam of House Cross, challenge you to an official duel." Adam growled, loosening his grip enough for Lucas to respond.

Adam felt his heart drop as he watched a smile spread across Lucas' face; his eyes darted to Elijah, who was now smiling openly as the two were locked in a struggle.

"I accept," Lucas replied, his eyes blazing with determination, the color returning to his features as he steeled his resolve.