Cruel Fates (Empires Book 1)

PTE

imminent, and the prospect sent his heart racing. He turned, his expression cold, and reg

ked, his voice

meeting Xanthos'. A smirk played

Don't play dumb, Elara. You k

ssion unreadable. "Pick y

l. As an Imperial Blade, he was expected to master every type o

ed my life. That's why I'm loyal to him. Without training, my Gifts would have killed

er he'd grown up with? The Empire had changed her, and

'm pretty sure Galen can do without the Emperor's he

ena, he's fast, but he has a weakness. Cat

out of the room, leaving Elara behind. Yet, her words lingered i

tone walls that seemed to stretch up to the sky. The walls were adorned with intricate carvi

ntless battles and training sessions. The platform was surrounded by a moat, its waters calm and ref

s to observe the training sessions. The benches were often filled with fellow trainees, mentors, and even

access to various training facilities, armories, and barracks. The door was flanked by two imposing sto

hat took place within its walls. Despite the arena's imposing atmosphere, there was an undercurrent of camaraderie and shared purpose, a s

said, a small smile on his face, "Let's see if my decision to make you an Imperial Blade is the right one." He hefted his falchion

dodged to the side but Grekh's speed proved to be an invaluable asset as he swift

er, Grekh's magical speed allowed him to press the attack, pushing Xanthos onto the defen

an opening, his eyes locked on Grekh's. The opportunity arrived when Gre

olid kick to his stomach. Grekh stumbled back, momentarily winded. Xanthos seized the

s superior skill. Xanthos stood tall, his chest heaving with exhaustion and his eyes blazing with hatred. He would

t. The victory was narrow, but decisive. A single clap shattered the moment. Xanthos dropped his hands from Grekh and stepped back. Grekh bowed low

tly. He then looked at Grekh who sheathed his falchion. He smirked, "I'm impressed. Tell me, did you allow the new

y liege, I wasn't expecting it as

f. "Only the best for the Empire then. I am going to take a stab and assume he is one o

s. Although I can't help but wonder, you had your chance to kill me. Why didn't you?" Xanthos regarded the first Adviser with chagrin as he responded, "I could have but I chose not to." Grekh stepped back, "Yo