THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The two opponents stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a silent understanding that only one could emerge victorious.

The air was thick with tension as the host's voice echoed through the arena, "Let the final battle begin!"

Alethea and Malakai assumed their positions, each surrounded by a faint aura of their respective magics. The crowd held its collective breath, sensing the gravity of the impending confrontation.

*The Battle Commences*

Malakai, donning his signature black armor, sneered at Alethea. "Your ice magic won't save you today," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice.

Alethea, unfazed, smiled calmly. "We'll see about that," she replied, her eyes flashing with determination.

With a swift gesture, Malakai summoned a dark vortex, its edges swirling with malevolent energy. Alethea countered by conjuring a wall of ice, its surface glinting like polished steel. The vortex hurtled toward the ice barrier, but Alethea's magic held firm, repelling the attack.

Undeterred, Malakai unleashed a barrage of shadowy tendrils, each seeking to snare and immobilize Alethea. She danced around the attacks, her agility and quick reflexes allowing her to evade the dark magic's grasp. As she moved, she crafted intricate ice crystals that orbited her, shielding her from the relentless assault.

The battle raged on, with neither opponent yielding. Malakai summoned a maelstrom of dark energy, only to be met by Alethea's glacial shield. She retaliated with a wave of frozen shards, but Malakai conjured a dark portal, teleporting himself to safety.

*The Tide Turns*

As the fight wore on, Alethea began to gain momentum. Her ice magic seemed to grow stronger, infused with an unyielding resolve. She crafted an ice sculpture of a majestic eagle, its wings outstretched, which took flight and swooped toward Malakai. The dark mage attempted to dispel the sculpture, but Alethea's magic had become too potent.

The eagle struck Malakai with frozen talons, sending him stumbling backward. Alethea seized the opportunity, unleashing a torrent of ice and snow that threatened to engulf Malakai.

Enraged, Malakai summoned his most devastating attack yet: a colossal dark dragon, its body composed of swirling shadows. The beast lunged at Alethea, jaws agape, ready to devour her.

Alethea stood firm, her eyes blazing with determination. She raised her hands, and the air around her seemed to solidify into a glacial fortress. The dark dragon crashed against the barrier, its attacks futile against Alethea's unyielding magic.

As the dragon dissipated, Malakai stumbled forward, his dark energy waning. Alethea approached him, her ice magic swirling around her like a vortex.

"It's over," she declared, her voice firm but sorrowful.

Malakai's gaze locked onto Alethea's, a glimmer of respect flickering within his eyes. "You're stronger than I thought," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of defeat.

With a swift, merciful motion, Alethea encased Malakai in a tomb of ice, ending the battle.

The arena erupted into cheers as Alethea stood victorious. Prince Kieran rushed to her side, embracing her warmly. "You did it, Alethea! You're the champion!"

Queen Harper and King Thane descended to the arena floor, their faces beaming with pride. "Alethea, your triumph is a testament to your unwavering dedication and courage," the queen declared.

As Alethea basked in the adoration of the crowd, Sir Malakai, now freed from his icy prison, approached her. His expression was somber, but his eyes held a newfound respect.

"Alethea, I underestimated you," he said, his voice low. "You've earned your victory. I look forward to our next encounter."

Alethea smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I'll be ready."

And so, Alethea stood as the undisputed champion, her name etched in the annals of history. The crowd's cheers continued to echo, a testament to her unyielding spirit and unparalleled magic. This tournament had proved that Avalor's power was a force to be reckoned with.

Through this tournament, Avalor had made an alliance with the Kingdom of Maronia.
It turns out that Lysander was the Prince of Maronia and was fond of Avalor bringing about the alliance.