Chapter 40

In the heart of the forest, the group of thieves gathered around, discussing their next raid. Their voices were hushed, a conspiracy brewing in the shadows. Suddenly, a sound echoed from the darkness of the woods, freezing them in their tracks. One of the bandits grabbed a wood torch and cautiously moved toward the source of the noise.

As he ventured into the inky blackness, a viscous black liquid, clouded by dark smoke with highlights of purple energy within it, shot out from the darkness. It snaked around the legs of the first bandit, who let out a blood-curdling scream as he was violently dragged into the obscurity. Panic and fear seized the remaining thieves, and they drew their swords, eyes darting nervously in every direction.

Bandit leader yelled out"Come out, who is there?"

Then, emerging from the shadows, Raven Tepes revealed herself. Her eyes had turned entirely black, but her pupils shone with a bright, malevolent red glow, and dark veins protruded from her eyes. The bandits quivered in terror, one of them muttering"Raven Tepes." but before they could react, Raven's true form materialized.

As viscous black liquid, swirling with dark smoke and streaks of purple energy, resembling the wings of a raven on her back. With her newfound abilities, she conjured a bright purple, liquid-like energy, shrouded in black smoke. It crackled with purple sparks as she fashioned it into a formidable whip, ready to confront the approaching thieves.

With a determined look, Raven lashed out with her telekinetic whip, snatching one of the thieves and hurling him through the forest, the force of her power sending him crashing into a tree. Vlad watched everything from a distance in awe, his heart swelling with pride at her control and precision "That's my little girl."

Raven's powers weren't limited to mere manipulation; she possessed the ability to tear down the very molecules of her adversaries, obliterating them with telekinetic force. With a focused gaze, she concentrated her power, causing one of the bandits to disintegrate into nothingness, leaving behind only a cloud of smoke.

Bandit #3 yelled in fear, "Monster!" and turned to flee in terror. Vlad who was watching all this from a distance couldn't help but marvel at his daughter's strength and determination.

As the remaining thieves hesitated, Raven unleashed a concussive blast of telekinetic force that shook the ground, tearing through the nearby trees and sending the bandits scattering in fear.

But the fleeing thieves did not get far, since Lucian was waiting for them his black garments billowed behind him, leaving a sculptural trail in his wake. The cloth, intricately designed and matching the colors of his armor, twisted and twirled, forming an ethereal tapestry of black and red. It whipped through the air, defying gravity as if propelled by an unseen force.

He then appeared right above the bandits sword arced downward and struck them taking there heads in one swing.

Lucian stood frozen, his sword still clutched tightly in his trembling hand. He gazed at the lifeless body sprawled on the ground before him, the reality of what they had just done sinking in. His eyes were wide, filled with a mixture of shock, fear, and a touch of morbid curiosity.

Raven, his sister, was equally dazed, her face pale as she stared at the scene.She was in a zone, when she killed those bandits and was now slowly understanding everything.

Her hands were stained with the blood of their victim, and she struggled to comprehend the weight of their actions. She swallowed hard, her breathing shallow, as the realization of taking a life slowly washed over her.

Vlad spoke up" It is different from cutting a dummy, right"

Lucian's voice was shaky as he responded to his father's words, "It's nothing like training, Father. I can't... I can't believe we did this."

Raven's gaze shifted from the lifeless bodies of the bandits. She nodded, her voice trembling as she admitted, "You were right, Father. This is different, and it's terrifying."

Lucian and Raven nodded, while Vlad added"In this world being too soft will get you killed."

There fathers next words remained a constant reminder in there heads: "Men don't fear swords.They fear monsters. Sometimes the world doesn't need another hero, sometimes what it needs is a monster."

It was a lesson she and her had learned well.

While near Valyria a dark and gloomy gorge stood as a testament to the ancient and mysterious nature of this place. Two colossal dragon statues, carved from the stone of the cliffs, loomed in the middle of the fast-moving river. The statues, with their weather-worn features, appeared both majestic and foreboding.

The narrow gor flanked by steep cliffs on either side, their imposing presence casting deep shadows. The river below was wide and tumultuous, its waters churning with rocks and boulders, making navigation a treacherous task.

The evergreen trees in the background added a touch of color to the otherwise somber scene, their dark green needles a stark contrast to the surrounding gray.

Above, the overcast sky portended a gathering storm, with dark clouds swirling ominously.

On the ship bearing the Velaryon emblem, Perseus, the young heir of the house, stood at the bow. His heart was light despite the challenging journey, for there had been no casualties among his crew. As he looked out at the forbidding Valyrian landscape, he heard his father's voice echoing in his mind, "Good job, son. You've made me and your mother proud."

A radiant smile graced Perseus's face, warmed by the words of his father. He continued his journey down the river, the ship deftly maneuvering through the treacherous waters until it reached the welcoming embrace of the Valyrian ports.

A grand welcome party awaited him, and as the ship docked, Perseus saw his mother and grandfather waiting on the pier. His heart swelled with joy as he hurried to embrace his mother, her smile reflecting her pride, and she whispered, "I am so proud of you."

Perseus returned the smile, his grandfather nodding approvingly, but then said with seriousness"This is just the start, Ghiscari are mobilizing there army.The war is just getting started."

Perseus nodded and with a firm tone spoke up"Don't worry grandfather, I will defend Valyria with all my heart."

While Aerion smiled at seeing his grandson's loyalty to Valyria.

What he did know was that Perseus' strength and growing influence posed a threat to many other elder houses, Among those who saw Perseus's rise as a challenge was Aerion's another grandson named Aerynarr. Aerynarr was known for his knowledge and cunning, yet his talents were consistently overshadowed by Perseus's abilities and achievements. This created a deep-seated envy and resentment within Aerynarr.

Aerion, initially envisioning Perseus as the heir to the throne, soon realized that Perseus had no desire for the position. Instead of pressuring him, Aerion shifted his hopes to Aerynarr, believing that his grandsons could work together for the betterment of Valyria.

Little did Aerion know, he underestimated the depth of Aerynarr's ambition and know of the inner turmoil brewing within the young men.

. Only in the afterlife did he come to regret his decision to make Aerynarr his successor.

With a jealous glare and clenched fists, Aerynarr watched Perseus receive accolades and adoration. He whispered to himself, "I will undoubtedly surpass you and seize every bit of influence you hold when I