The Contract of One Year

Chapter 24 : The Siege of Aurelion

The sun had barely risen over Aurelion Kingdom, but the palace courtyard was already alive with tension. Soldiers rushed to their positions, arrows were lined up along the walls, and the sound of hammering echoed from the gates as preparations for the siege reached their peak.

Aria stood at the top of the central tower, her golden energy flickering faintly around her hands. She gripped her sword tightly, feeling the pulse of power running through her veins. Beside her, Adrian and Alexander surveyed the palace defenses. Lila moved along the battlements, helping soldiers coordinate their positions.

“Aria,” Adrian said quietly, “this will be your first real battle against Viktor’s army. Remember what you’ve learned. Focus your power, and trust your instincts.”

Aria nodded, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Smoke rose from the forest beyond the northern walls, signaling the approach of Viktor’s forces. Thousands of soldiers were marching in perfect formation, banners dark with crimson and black. At the front, she could see Viktor himself, his silver hair glinting in the sunlight, his eyes locked on the palace.

Suddenly, a horn blared from the enemy lines. The army surged forward, and the siege had begun.

Aria took a deep breath and activated her energy. A golden wave rippled along the walls, warning the archers below. She swung her sword, the golden light enveloping the blade, enhancing each strike with a luminous force. Arrows shot from the battlements, striking the enemy with precision.

“Excellent!” Alexander shouted, breathing heavily. “Keep them off the walls!”

But Viktor was not foolish. He had anticipated Aria’s power. From the forest edge, siege engines rolled forward, hurling flaming projectiles toward the palace gates. The soldiers scrambled, trying to extinguish the fires and repair the damage.

“Aria, the northern gate!” Adrian yelled. “They’re breaking through!”

Without hesitation, Aria sprinted toward the breach. Golden energy flared from her hands, weaving through the soldiers and striking the battering ram with precise force. It toppled backward, crushed under the weight of her power.

But as she fought, a dagger whistled past her ear. She spun just in time to see a familiar figure—a palace guard she had trusted—raising a hidden weapon.

“Betrayal!” Aria shouted, blocking the attack with her sword.

Adrian reached her side, slashing the traitor’s weapon from his hands. “They’re inside the palace!” he roared. “Stay alert!”

Aria’s golden energy flared again, stronger this time, as if fueled by anger and determination. She struck the traitor down, but more were coming. Lila appeared at her side, firing arrows that struck with deadly precision. Together, they pushed the enemy back, forcing them out of the palace corridors.

From the top of the walls, Aria looked out and saw Viktor himself approaching the northern gate, riding atop a black steed, his crimson cloak flowing behind him.

“He’s coming,” Aria whispered.

Adrian gritted his teeth. “Then prepare yourself, Aria. This is where we make our stand.”

The princess took a deep breath, golden light coiling around her hands and sword. For the first time, fear did not control her. She was ready.

If he wants me, he’ll have to face me… and I won’t hold back.

The battle for the palace—and for the kingdom—had reached its most dangerous point yet.