Chapter 10: Trial 1 – Queen of Flame vs Queen of Skies

Previously:

Jemil's accidental engagements to three powerful mythical beings are confirmed.

The current wives launch the Harem War Council Tournament, where each suitor must earn her place.

First matchup: Flare vs Astrae — a fire-breathing showdown of epic proportions.

🌋 Arena of Flames – Celestial Summit

The arena floated on a platform of volcanic glass, hovering above a molten rift. Rings of enchanted lava swirled around them. The Celestial Beast Council's banners fluttered in an unnatural wind.

Flare stepped forward, boots clinking on obsidian. Her crimson scales shimmered in the sunlight, and her hair blazed like wildfire.

Across the arena, descending in a gust of phoenix flame—

Astrae.

Golden wings. A crown of burning light. A robe woven from fire feathers.

She landed softly, eyes never leaving Flare.

"You haven't changed," Astrae said, voice like thunder in silk.

"Still hot-headed. Still afraid to lose."

"I'm not afraid," Flare growled. "I just don't tolerate lies. You said Jemil challenged you."

"He healed you. That wasn't a duel."

"He touched my core flame," Astrae said, stepping closer. "That's a marriage vow in Phoenix Law."

🎙️ System Broadcast:

"Trial 1: Personal Combat – Emotional Stakes Detected"

Arena: Firebound Skyforge

Judges: Council Representatives, Jemil, and Chaos"

Rules: No killing. No dismemberment. Mild flirtation allowed."

🔥 Flashback: Elemental War Year

Five years ago, Flare was a general in the Dragonfire Legion. Astrae led the Phoenix Uprising. They met on a battlefield, clashed for seven hours straight, and accidentally burned down two continents.

In the end, Flare spared Astrae's life.

"You owe me," Flare spat.

"I'm here to repay that debt," Astrae said. "By reclaiming the flame you've neglected."

"Touch him," Flare warned, "and I'll cook your eggs personally."

💥 The Duel Begins

Flare opened with a meteor dive. Astrae countered mid-air with a burst of solar light, blinding the crowd and searing the sky.

Their bodies blurred — dragon fire vs phoenix flame, heat waves twisting around them, shockwaves cracking the obsidian arena.

Below, Jemil sat in the "prized consort throne" with Naia, Saphira, Lyra, and Yura beside him.

"I feel like a cake being fought over by two fire forks," Jemil muttered.

"You're lucky you're still frosted," Yura smirked.

"This is serious," Naia whispered. "If Flare loses, the council might force a bond."

⚔️ Mid-Battle Insults

Flare: "You've always been arrogant!"

Astrae: "You've always been insecure!"

Flare: "You're trying to steal him!"

Astrae: "I'm trying to complete him!"

Astrae spread her wings wide. "Let me ask him. Let's see what Jemil truly desires."

She blasted forward, flame forming a phoenix shape as she soared toward Jemil — fire crashing around her in spirals.

Flare snarled.

"You're not touching him!"

She unleashed her trump card — Dragon Soul Ignition. Her body turned translucent, wreathed in sacred flame. Her roar shook the skies.

They collided midair.

The world went white.

💔 Flash Memory Surge (Shared Through the Clash)

A sudden magical backlash triggered a mental echo. Both Astrae and Flare fell into Jemil's memories.

— Flare, curled up beside Jemil in a cave during the early days

— Flare, holding him after he passed out from over-summoning

— Jemil whispering: "I trust her. She's fire, but she never burns me."

Then—

— Jemil accidentally holding Astrae's core flame

— Her whisper: "That warmth… I've never felt safe until now."

The light faded.

Flare landed, breathing hard. Astrae hovered above her, one wing singed.

"You're strong," Astrae said quietly. "But I'm not here to steal him."

"Then why now? Why after all this time?" Flare's voice cracked.

"Where were you when he almost died? When we fought wars for his safety?"

"I was healing," Astrae said softly. "And preparing. Because I knew… I'd have to face you first."

🎖️ System Verdict

"Trial Outcome: Draw."

"Both candidates retain claim rights. Council defers final bond decision to… Jemil."

Flare turned to him. Her fire dimmed.

"Jemil," she said. "If you do choose her… I won't leave. But I'll never forget today."

Astrae floated beside her, wings folded. "You already have his love. I'm asking only for a place beside it."

Jemil looked between them. Two warriors. Two pasts. One blazing future.

He stood.

"I'm not choosing yet. But I'll honor both of you — as rivals, flames, and women I care about."

🗨️ End of Chapter 10

📣 Comment: Was it fair to end in a draw? Who would YOU have chosen?

💎 Vote with Power Stones

📚 Add to Library

📅 Next Chapter: "Trial 2 – Leviathan's Claim: Undersea Jealousy"