"Rival or Pretender"

Saaransh stood by the window, deep in his thoughts as

Alistair finished his measured words. The light of early morning had barely

crept through the tall windows of the chamber, which cast long, wavering

shadows that danced along the polished floor. His dark eyes, calm yet filled

with quiet intensity, reflected not just the light but the weight of

expectations placed upon him.

So, by your words, I figured out that our rivals are coming

sooner than I expected.

The ever-watchful retainer of the Stoneheart family, he

replied in a low, steady tone.

"Yes, young master. Your cousin's arrival has been confirmed. You must

be prepared for it."

His voice held the authority of someone who had seen much

in his long years of service, and his gaze never wavered for even a second from

Saaransh.

Just then, the sound of measured footsteps echoed from the

corridor outside. The soft but insistent sound brought with it a reminder of

duty. Moments later, Sylvaine appeared in the doorway, her tone was brisk as

she addressed her brother.

"Saaransh, come on. You have been

cooped up in your room for such a long time now, it is time to face the day."

Saaransh turned towards her, his dark eyes were steady and

unreadable.

"Alright, Sylvaine. I am coming."

Together they both stepped out of the room and walked down

the grand corridors of the estate. The morning light filtered through the tall,

arched windows, casting long shadows on the marble floor. Servants bowed in

quiet respect as they passed, their eyes lowered in deference to the family

they served. Yet amidst the bustling routine, Saaransh's mind was solely focused on the

meeting that may define his future.

Sylvaine led the way, her small yet authoritative figure

cut against the elegance of the estate.

"Father wants to see you, and our

cousins have already arrived."

They soon reached the palace gate, where a small wagon

awaited their presence. The wagon wheels creaked to a stop on the stone route,

and then two figures stepped out. One was a young man who was around Saaransh's age. He carried himself with an air

of arrogance, and his every step exuded a dismissive challenge. The other was a

young girl around the age of eleven, one year younger than Sylvaine.

The young boy stepped forward first, a smirk forming on his

face.

"Greetings, cousin. I am Aldric

Stoneheart. I suppose that you have been training well? Uncle always expects

the best from you, but I wonder if you really can back it up."

Not long after, the young girl stepped forward with a

slight bow and a timid smile on her face.

"And I am Elara Stoneheart. Do you

think you will be as strong as the rumors about you say, cousin?"

Her soft smile carried a blend of curiosity and hope as if

she believed in the promise of greatness that hung over her family.

Saaransh smirked a bit.

"I intend to earn every single bit of

strength. True power is not passed down to someone, true power is forged with a

tremendous amount of rigorous training."

Sylvaine raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing.

"You certainly act like you have grown

up. Father said you have to prove your strength today."

Aldric let out a laugh, his voice laced with arrogance.

"Rigorous training, huh? Bold words

from someone who is still hiding behind empty ambition and goals. We will see

if you can back them up when the right time comes."

Saaransh met his cousin's challenge with unwavering eyes.

"Dreams are for those who settle. I

plan to carve my destiny."

Aldric scoffed, his eyes flashing with defiance.

"We will see about that. I hope you are

ready to face reality because the awakening ceremony is just by the door now."

"I don't fear reality, I want to master it,

regardless of who stands in my way."

A brief silence fell between them for a moment, heavy with

unspoken challenge and rivalry. The cold wind that swept the courtyard seemed

to echo the tension between them, stirring the dust as if nature itself waited

for this conflict.

Sylvaine, standing off to the side, whispered almost to

herself,

"This is only the beginning."

Saaransh's reply was firm and resolute.

"Then let it begin. I don't intend to live in anyone's shadow, not even Father's."

Aldric's mocking grin widened as he replied,

"We will see if you can rise above your

limits, little cousin."

His tone held both arrogance and a hint of provocation,

daring Saaransh to prove himself.

Finally, the tension reached its boiling point. Saaransh's eyes narrowed as he spoke quietly,

with an unmistakable smirk.

"Your arrogance is nothing but a

fragile mask, Aldric. It binds you to your own mistakes."

Aldric's face twisted in anger, his voice

rising sharply as he retorted.

"What did you say? Do you dare try and

mock me? I have earned every bit of respect and strength while you hide behind

empty promises!"

Saaransh let out a small chuckle.

"You are here calling me little

brother, yet you can't

even handle a bit of provocation, huh?"

Aldric's fury ignited, veins popping out of

his neck and forehead.

"Shut your goddamn mouth, Saaransh

Stoneheart!"

Undeterred, Saaransh replied with a teasing tone.

"Why should I stop? You cannot do

anything to me if you are all talk."Aldric's

composure faltered for a moment as he tried to regain control.

"Don't you dare question me! The Stoneheart

legacy is built by strength, and I am its living example!"

Saaransh raised an eyebrow, his voice low and calm.

"Is that so? Then why don't we settle it right here, right now?

Let us see if you can back those big words with your skills."

Aldric's eyes gleamed with arrogance.

"Oh, you want a spar? Fine, little

cousin, I will show you what real strength looks like!"

For a second, the courtyard fell silent. The air itself

seemed to hold its breath as the moment of truth arrived.

Aldric's voice rang out in challenge.

"Prepare yourself, Saaransh. Let us see

if you can stand up to me without hiding behind your fancy words."

Saaransh's black eyes remained calm as he

spoke.

"I am ready when you are, Aldric."

Before a single blow could be exchanged, a sudden,

unexpected shout pierced the silence of the courtyard. It came from the palace

gate.

"Halt! This challenge will wait."

At that moment, both of them froze, their spar halted.

Saaransh's dark, mysterious eyes met Aldric's burning glare. Rivalry, ambition,

and the weight of their shared legacy clashed in that charged silence, hinting

at a battle that was yet to come.