THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

As they continued their stroll, Elianne watched from afar, a knowing smile on her face.

"It seems Aurora's heart has finally been breached," she whispered to herself.

As they strolled through the castle gardens, the moon casting a silver glow, Prince Kieran's question lingered in the air.

"What makes you see me that way, Alethea?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.

Alethea's thoughts unfolded like a tapestry. "Your compassion for the people, your willingness to listen, and your unwavering commitment to justice... These traits shine brighter than your title, Alexandre."

Prince Kieran's eyes sparkled. "You notice more than most people."

"I've had the privilege of serving alongside you," Alethea replied, her smile soft.

Their footsteps synchronized, they walked in comfortable silence.

"Tell me, General," Prince Kieran said, breaking the quiet, "what do you value most in life?"

Alethea's answer came without hesitation. "Loyalty, honor, and protecting those I care about."

Prince Kieran nodded thoughtfully. "Those are noble values. Do you ever feel... restricted by your duties?"

Alethea's gaze drifted toward the stars. "Sometimes. But my responsibilities are a part of who I am. I wouldn't trade them."

Prince Kieran's voice took on a gentle quality. "You deserve happiness, Alethea. Don't forget that."

Their conversation flowed like a gentle stream, touching on hopes, dreams, and the intricacies of ruling.

As the night deepened, Elianne continued to observe from afar, her heart swelling with joy.

"Perhaps," she whispered to herself, "the General has found someone who truly sees her."

The moon reached its zenith, casting a silvery glow over the garden.

Prince Kieran and Alethea paused beside a tranquil fountain, the sound of gently flowing water filling the air.

Their eyes met, the connection between them palpable.

"Alethea," Prince Kieran said, his voice barely above a whisper, "can this meeting between us be kept a secret from my parents?"

Alethea's smile hinted at a newfound vulnerability. "Sure my prince, Alexandre."

The day of the semi-finals had arrived, and the arena buzzed with anticipation. The first round would test the contestants' battle prowess in the notorious Dark Palace, infamous for its monstrous inhabitants.

Nine finalists had already faced the challenge, with Sir Malakai stunning the audience by defeating 400 monsters. Lysander followed closely with 200.
Kael with 150 and Lyra with 100 monsters.

Alethea, the last contestant remaining, stood confidently on the sidelines, her eyes locked on Sir Malakai's triumphant smile. A sly smirk spread across her face.

"Now it's my turn to show you, Malakai, that you're not on my level."

With a fluid motion, Alethea approached the host, her armor gleaming, sword sheathed, and hair braided into two French braids adorned with red stripes.

"I choose to enter the Dark Palace and defeat 1000 monsters," she declared, her voice dripping with conviction.

The host's eyes widened. "What!? Are you certain, General Alethea? Defeating 1000 monsters will grant you unparalleled points, but failure will result in zero."

Alethea's gaze never wavered. "I'm certain."

The host's voice trembled. "Very well. You will be transported to the Dark Palace. May the gods be with you."

The audience, Prince Kieran, Princess Elianne, speculators, and professional spectators were stunned. Sir Malakai's confidence faltered, his eyes narrowing.

As Alethea vanished, the arena fell silent.

She materialized before the Dark Palace, its towering spires shrouded in darkness. Closing her eyes, Alethea calculated the energy emanating from the monsters within.

A sly smile spread across her face.

With her sword still sheathed, Alethea ascended the stairs, her presence commanding attention.

At the final step, she unleashed a burst of energy and stepped forward with her right leg only, sending wind swirling through the arena.

"Freeze." She uttered, her voice calm and commanding.

Time seemed to halt. The palace, its monsters, and even the air itself froze.

Alethea's eyes snapped open, her gaze piercing.

With a subtle click of her tongue, she stepped forward with her other leg.

In an instant, the palace erupted into chaos. Monsters shattered, their forms dissipating.

The arena erupted into stunned silence.

In 0.5 seconds, Alethea had defeated 1000 monsters without a scratch.

As she reappeared in the arena, the crowd exploded into awestruck whispers.

Speculation ran rampant:

"How did she do it?"

"Is she even human?"

"Was that ice magic?"

"What secrets has she been hiding?"

Sir Malakai's face paled. "Impossible... No one can—"

Lysander's eyes widened. "Does this mean, Alethea's been holding back."

Prince Kieran's smile broadened. "Avalor's General is unstoppable."

Princess Elianne beamed. "Alethea's true strength is breathtaking."

Professional spectators scrambled to analyze the battle.

"The use of ice magic indicates an unprecedented level of magical control."

"Her energy signature suggests mastery over spatial manipulation."

"The sheer scale of her victory redefines the boundaries of magical combat."

As the points were tallied, Alethea's score soared to the top.

For the first time in the tournament, she had revealed her ice magic.

And, astonishingly, she hadn't drawn her sword once throughout the competition.

The arena resonated with a single word: extraordinary.