The Cold Truth

Chapter 6: The Cold Truth

The sound of shuffling footsteps echoed through the grand hall of the Solis estate. Aeris walked slowly, his boots clicking against the polished marble floor. He had just passed the training grounds, where his victory over the two warriors had left him feeling strangely hollow. His father's approval, though begrudging, had felt fleeting—just another checkmark on a list that seemed to grow longer with each passing day.

Aeris's mind drifted back to the arena, where his powers had surged, uncontrolled at times, yet precise enough to defeat his opponents. For the first time, he had felt the icy grip of his Dominion fully in his control, but with that power came a gnawing sense of unease. It was as if something within him had shifted, and now the weight of his destiny was not just a burden—it was a heavy chain around his neck.

As he approached the family's war room, the heavy wooden door swung open with a creak. Aeris stepped inside, finding himself face-to-face with his father, Lord Elias, and several key figures from the family's inner circle. The room was dimly lit, the shadows stretching long across the stone walls. The air was thick with tension.

"Sit, Aeris," Lord Elias commanded, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Aeris hesitated for a moment, then complied, sitting at the long table across from his father. The others—noblemen and advisors—watched him with varying degrees of curiosity and disdain. They had all witnessed his display on the training grounds, but this meeting was far more important. It would decide not just his future, but the future of the Solis family.

"We are at a crossroads," Lord Elias began, his eyes cold as steel. "Our enemies are growing bolder. The other families see the Solis name as a threat, and they will stop at nothing to see us falter."

Aeris straightened in his seat, his earlier unease giving way to a quiet resolve. This was not just about proving his worth to his father; this was about ensuring the family's survival in an unforgiving world.

"You have shown promise, Aeris," one of the advisors, Lord Daedric, spoke up. "But promise is not enough. We need results, and we need them now. The other families will not wait for you to find your footing. We need to strike before they do."

Aeris felt the weight of their eyes on him. He was no longer the naive heir who had avoided the brutal realities of the world. He had tasted power, and he had seen the consequences of hesitation.

"I understand," Aeris said, his voice steady. "What do you propose?"

Lord Elias nodded, a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. "We begin with the Caelus family. They control the northern trade routes, and their influence over the markets is growing. We must seize those routes, cripple their power, and send a message to the others. It will be a delicate operation, but it must be done quickly and decisively."

Aeris felt a chill run down his spine. The Caelus family was a formidable opponent, known for their vast resources and ruthless tactics. But this was no longer about hesitation. This was about making a choice—a choice to take what was necessary for the Solis family to survive.

"I will handle it," Aeris declared, his tone unwavering. "I will lead the operation."

Lord Elias looked at him with calculating eyes. "You're certain? This mission will not be without risk."

"I'm certain," Aeris replied. "I will not let this family falter. I will ensure our victory."

Lord Daedric chuckled, a low, mirthless sound. "You've grown more confident, Aeris. But remember—confidence alone will not win wars. It will take more than just power to defeat the Caelus family. It will take ruthlessness. Are you prepared for that?"

Aeris met Lord Daedric's gaze, his eyes hardening. "I am prepared for whatever it takes."

Lord Elias stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Good. Prepare yourself. We leave for the northern territories in two days. Make sure you're ready."

As Aeris rose from his seat, he felt a strange sense of clarity settling over him. The path ahead was treacherous, but it was also necessary. The Solis family had been at the top for centuries, and Aeris would do whatever it took to ensure their continued dominance. The lingering doubts in his mind began to fade as he steeled himself for what lay ahead.

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Skill Name: Icy Dominion: Shardstrike

Aeris can summon shards of razor-sharp ice from the ground and launch them at his enemies with precision. The shards can pierce through armor and defenses, their speed and force making them deadly weapons. As Aeris's power grows, he can manipulate the size and shape of the shards, making them more destructive and versatile. This skill represents his growing control over his ice abilities and his ability to use them in both combat and strategic situations.