Claim Your Love

Chapter Ten

The next morning, I awoke to the resounding clash of two swords. Sighing, I made my way outside, where Zephyr and Helios were engaged in a heated battle. "So noisy," I murmured, observing their relentless fight.

"I couldn't sleep properly because of them," Marcello muttered. I let out another sigh, then gathered the strength to shout at them, urging our focus on the next move for the impending war. We retreated into the tent, and I noticed the bruises on Zephyr's hands.

"Told you," Helios sneered. "You wouldn't stand against me."

"You're not so sure ab-"

I slammed my fist on the table, interrupting their bickering. "We're here for war! For our people!" I shouted, my voice filled with determination. "Enough with this nonsense. Let us concentrate on the task at hand." Helios let out a tired sigh, finally relenting.

"Our next destination is the Lake of Isoldes," Helios said coldly.

"The Emperor, our father, has fallen ill due to his advanced age." Zephyr explained, worry etched on his face. "In that case, we can heal Father with the mystical powers of the lake," he continued.

"Is that truly possible?" I asked, surprised, and Zephyr nodded solemnly.

"But to reach the lake, we must first defeat the last Kingdom of Isolde, as the Crimson Lake lies within their borders," Helios added. I couldn't help but gulp, realizing the challenges that lay ahead. "This will be the final war. The Empire of Pyrothorn can finally be free from conflict," Helios stated, his voice filled with both determination and apprehension.

"No," Zephyr sneered, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Our war will continue even after we conquer the kingdom."

"We shall not spill the blood of our own people merely to claim the throne, Zephyr," Helios firmly responded.

"Let us not dwell on that now. We must find a suitable route," I interjected.

"The Merleas cave," Zephyr suggested. "It is inhabited by beings with fish-like tails instead of legs, much like sireans."

Curiosity piqued, I inquired about our subsequent steps. "And after that?"

"The Sairaia," he explained. "Enchanted beings who protect the sacred Tree of Soraia. Following that, we shall encounter the Herailio, a dwelling place of mystical creatures. Once we overcome these trials, we can proceed to the final destination, the Kairaio of Isoldes."

Nodding in comprehension, I made a decision. "For now, let us focus on training our knights. We shall depart in four hours." Zephyr and Helios nodded, acknowledging the urgency and importance of our mission.

As I emerged from the tent, I gathered my soldiers for training. Standing before them, I bellowed, "Who are we?"

"We are the Pyro Knights!" they thundered, their swords clashing in practice.

"And who are we here for?"

"Our Empire!"

"Then what should we do?"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" they roared in unison, filling me with relief. Amidst the commotion, I caught sight of Zephyr walking away, his brow glistening with sweat. Determined to follow him, I pursued, but he vanished without a trace.

"Where did he go?" I questioned aloud, feeling a tap on my back. I turned to find Zephyr, holding out a piece of chocolate.

"Where did you even find that?" I inquired.

"I have a weakness for candies," he confessed, his smile mischievous. "Don't tell Marcello or my 'evil' brother Helios," he added, offering me one.

It had been years since I had tasted such a treat. The last time was when my father had given it to me. As I savored the sweetness, a wave of nostalgia washed over me.

"Are you alright?" Zephyr asked, concern etched on his face.

"I haven't tasted this in years," I replied, a smile forming on my lips. "It's so delicious!"

He motioned for me to be quiet. "So, how was it? Fighting with your 'evil' brother?" he inquired, a playful glint in his eyes.

I contemplated for a moment. "I don't quite know what to say," I admitted. "But I believe I can claim the throne, Lucian."

"Really?" I exclaimed. "How?"

"You'll see. I will be successful, and I intend to take your sister's hand in marriage," he declared confidently.

A burst of laughter escaped me. "I am the only child of the Pyro family," I reminded him.

"Are you sure?" he prodded. "Doesn't Duke Calcifer have any secret children?"

"Why would you even need my unknown sister?" I queried, a touch of annoyance in my voice. "I will protect my sister from both of you at all costs—"

"What about Marcello?" he interjected.

"Even him," I affirmed. "But answer my question."

Zephyr simply shrugged. "I just think that if you had a sister, she would be extraordinary. Your family has good genes."

"Don't tell me—" I began, raising an eyebrow. He playfully punched my shoulder.

"Shut up, bro," he teased, and we both burst into laughter, momentarily forgetting the weight of our impending journey and the trials that awaited us.