Clair lifted her eyes to Ark, who stood midway up the steps. Without looking at him, Cerro raised his chin.
Ark descended the remaining steps at an unhurried pace and stopped before them.
Zach glanced from one to the other, growing even more confused by what was unfolding.
"This argument has gone on long enough," Ark said calmly. "Let's settle it once and for all."
His gaze shifted between Clair and Cerro.
"Here's the deal. If Cerro wins, Clair removes the mark. If Clair wins, Cerro accepts it. No more arguments."
"Agreed," Cerro replied without hesitation.
Zach hurried to Clair's side. "This isn't going to be a real fight... is it?" he asked, unable to hide the concern in his voice.
Clair gently cupped his face and offered him a faint smile. "Don't worry," she said softly. "I'll win this. Just stay behind Ark."
With that, she turned and walked around the side of the house.
Cerro followed without a word.
Per hopped down the steps. "Ready to go?"
Ark's eyes remained fixed on the two figures disappearing around the house. "Not quite yet," he murmured.
****《•》****
The spacious backyard behind the cottage had become an impromptu dueling ground. Clair and Cerro stood several paces apart, swords in hand, their eyes locked on one another.
From the rear balcony, Per, Ark, and Zach watched in silence.
"How did this end up happening?" Per asked, still struggling to believe what she was seeing.
"I proposed it," Ark answered matter-of-factly.
Per slowly turned to him, her eyes widening. "You did?" she asked, clearly upset. "Why?"
Ark met her gaze without the slightest hint of regret. "Wouldn't you like to know which of these Ermilords is stronger?"
Per stared at him, dumbfounded. "You're serious?"
"Relax." Ark folded his arms and turned his attention back to the yard. "I have a feeling this is exactly what they need."
Per glanced at Zach. He stood motionless at the balcony rail, his eyes fixed on Clair.
She walked over and gently squeezed his shoulder. "Hey," she said softly. "Stay here, all right?"
He didn't take his eyes off the backyard. "Will she be all right?" he asked quietly. "Against him?"
"Clair knows how to handle herself in a fight," Per assured him. Her gaze drifted back to the two figures below. "I just hope this is over before Euphilis gets here," she murmured.
Behind them, Ark opened the large weapons trunk and pulled out a long spear. With a single, fluid motion, he hurled it high into the air.
The spear soared across the backyard before plunging into the ground between Clair and Cerro with a thunderous thud.
YOU ARE READING
Divine & Wicked: The Strayed Memories (Book2)
Fantasy(Fantasy•Romance) COMPLETED Zach awoke a few days after his surgery, his mind foggy and his heart empty, as though his life had been reset. He moved through what he believed was his normal routine, unaware that fragments of a forgotten past were slo...
