Dim light flickered in the dark, cold cellar; prisoners banged their heads against the cold iron bars, screams and laughs filled the confined space. Ray lay on the floor staring at the ceiling inside the cell, the voices echoing off the walls and surrounding him. Guards walked through the hallways, watching over the prisoners, who continued in their insanity. Ray let out a long breath. “Why did I do that?” He shook his head. “What am I supposed to do now?” He lay still on the floor, then, turning to his side, he sat up. He crossed his arms and legs. “Should I escape?” The nearby guard rushed in front of his cell and slammed his spear against the cold iron bars. “Don’t even think of escaping, scum!”

  Did I say that out loud? He raised his arms. “I won’t.” The guard gave him one stern look and continued on his way through the hallway, his footsteps echoing. Ray closed his eyes, filtering out the voices of the prisoners, trying to locate the festival cheers, but to no avail. How far am I? I can’t hear anything. He sighed and lay back down.

  Back at the arena, Mei Zhi’s fight wrapped up with her opponent passed out by the wall. Everyone clapped, though the air felt heavier than before, and some citizens of Lunaria had frowns on their faces. Mei Zhi returned to her seat in the stands, and Rowan entered for his duel and told the announcer his name. “Rowan, a second-year apprentice from Acacia.” From Nyxia’s side, entered a girl with long white hair tied in a ponytail, red eyes, and dark skin. She unsheathed her sword as the announcer spoke. “Will face Charlotte Moonschilde, a seven-star at Nyxia.”

  The entire arena burst out cheering, their frowns replaced with smiles. Luke crossed his arms, his smile faltering. The duel began; Rowan rushed at her, swinging his sword. She dodged and kicked his sword out of his hand and pointed hers at his neck, ending the duel. “I would’ve loved to play with you, but the crowd wouldn’t have liked that.” She sheathed her sword, and the crowd erupted, everyone cheering her name as it echoed across the arena. Luke sighed, shaking his head. The second year’s eyes remained wide, and the other apprentices from the academies clenched their fists, some frowning. Mei Zhi clicked her tongue. I want to fight her.

  As the day went on, the apprentices from the other academies dueled. Some won, some lost, but in the end Acacia still came out on top because Augustus considered Ray’s act as a win. So the first day of the festival of arms concluded, and everyone left the arena — everyone except Augustus, Charles and Acacia members. Kyle sat, his arms crossed. “I knew our reputation would plummet if we allowed the trash to fight in our name.” The other two agreed with him, silently nodding their heads. Brandon stepped in and patted his shoulder. “Yeah, yeah. Now, all of you rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  Kyle and the other two walked away, their visages displaying a smirk. Ruby stood still, her hands clamped. Nyla tapped her shoulder, and they left, followed by Rowan, Julius, and Grace. Luke and Augustus stood facing each other — one smiling, one frowning. Luke opened his mouth, but Augustus raised a finger.

  His voice was calm. “I shall release him, but in return, I want the Lunar Crescent back.”

  Luke and Brandon’s eyes widened. For a moment, even Augustus’ smile faltered.

  “Tell Caesar this: if Heliosia does not return our sacred sword…” He paused, letting the silence stretch. “…war is inevitable.” The smile returned to his lips. Then he turned and walked away, Charles falling into step behind him.

  Luke sighed and left, walking towards where he might stay. Maya glanced at Brandon, her arms crossed. “What is the Lunar Crescent and why does Caesar have it?” He shook his head. “It’s a long story.” A frown appeared on her face. “I have time.” He looked at her and let out a laugh. Her frown deepened, and they both walked towards the city near Nyxia.

  Augustus and Charles continued walking as the sky darkened, a smile still etched on his face. Moments later, they arrived at the dungeon. The gatekeeper bowed and opened the gates, letting them in. The dark, cold hallways, filled with screams and laughs, surrounded them. Ray’s eyes opened, and he sat up, tilting his head. The emperor? Soon Augustus and Charles arrived at his cell. He looked up at them and said, “Hello.”

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Charles stepped forward. “Watch how you speak, you insolent brat!” Augustus raised his arm, silencing him, then said, “Ray, was it? Do you wish to be set free?”

  Ray crossed his arms, his head still slightly tilted. “Of course.” Augustus’ smile widened, and he lowered his arm. “Do something for me, and I shall pardon you.” Ray hesitated before standing. “What do you want me to do?” Augustus crossed his arms, his smile unchanging. “Find the traitor in my court within a week… and you are free to go.” Ray took a moment to think, his eyes darting between Augustus and Charles, and then he said, “Alright.”

  After a few moments, the dungeon gates opened. Augustus, Charles and Ray stepped out, the dark, glittering sky welcoming them. Augustus turned to Ray, patting his shoulder. “We shall count on you.” Then turned around, walking away, leaving Ray alone with his thoughts. He stared at the sky, his arms crossed. How am I supposed to find this… traitor? He shook his head, continuing down the pavement, his boots clicking against the tiles. After a while, he halted for a moment, scratching his chin. He closed his eyes, focusing on the surrounding sounds when he heard two low heartbeats somewhere near him. Someone’s following me… His eyes opened, and he continued on his way, keeping his ears focused on the pursuers. Soon, the heartbeats vanished, so he looked around. Is it Augustus’ people?

  He took a deep breath and continued on his way in through Nyxia’s back gate. Charles cleared his throat as he stood leaning against the wall. “Took you long enough, brat!” Ray sighed, shrugging his shoulder. “I’m new here, so I got lost.” Charles didn’t laugh, nor did he smile; he just straightened and walked. “Ha! Follow me and take the goddamn armband.” Ray nodded, falling in his steps. They both made their way through the shiny white corridors of Nyxia, very different from Acacia’s dark hallways, soon arriving at Charles’ cabin.

  He took a seat, turning to Ray. “You will stand!” He said, picking up a dark blue armband from under his table, and threw it at Ray. “Once you wear it, the guards will know you are a part of Nyxia! When you finish investigating, return it!” A moment of silence followed. “Don’t you dare run off with it, brat!” A frown appeared on Ray’s face, but he hid it behind a smile. “I understand.”

  While this happened, near the city gates a guard, wearing dark navy blue armor lined with silver embroidery, approached Mei Zhi and said. “His Imperial Highness wishes to see you. Follow me.” She was about to reject when Luke put a hand on her shoulder, looking toward the guard. “May I ask why?” The guard eyed Luke, then crossed his arms. “Because His Imperial Highness wishes it. That is all.” Both Luke and Mei Zhi frowned, but Luke lifted his hand. “I understand. Be careful, Vivian.” She stared both at Luke and at the guard. Who are ye people to decide what I do? She took a deep breath, crossing her arms. “If he wishes to see me, tell him to come.” Both Luke and the guard’s eyes widened as they turned to her. The guard was about to unsheathe his sword when a laugh rang around them. They turned towards the voice. The guard flinched and straightened, placing his fist on his chest. “I greet The Eye and The Fist.” A man wearing a long white robe, in contrast with his dark skin, his white hair, flowed in the cool breeze. His red eyes hovered over Mei Zhi and Luke as he sauntered toward them. Behind him walked a tall, bulky man, armored in navy blue armor laced with golden embroidery and with a broad blade attached to his back. Through his spiked helmet, his red eyes remained fixed on Mei Zhi, unmoving.

  They both arrived near them, and the Eye dismissed the guard. “You may leave. I shall escort her.” Luke bowed, his hand placed on his chest. “I greet The Eye, Matthias Moonschilde. But may I ask why his imperial highness wishes to see her?” Matthias patted his shoulder. “Nobody knows what Augustus thinks. She may have to find that out herself.” Followed by a pause, his lips curled into a smile. “But do not worry; considering our friendship, I shall protect her.” Luke straightened, and they both shook hands. He turned to Mei Zhi, nodded and walked away. A few minutes passed, and she stared at Matthias and was about to say something, but he spoke first. “The sun will guide us towards the light of our victory.” As soon as she heard that phrase, she jumped at him and punched, but The Fist blocked her attack and grabbed her neck and slammed her to the ground. She coughed up blood onto his hand, grabbed it and glared at them. A frown appeared on Matthias’ face. “Ruben… I thought I told you not to hurt our guest.”

  Ruben loosened his grip on her neck and turned to look at Matthias. “I know. But you cannot fight, can you?” Matthias shook his head, his gaze turning to Mei Zhi on the ground. “Calm down, princess. We are acquaintances of Sun Oh Tian.” She coughed even more, a smile appearing on her face. “So, are ye betraying yer emperor?” Matthias raised an eyebrow, his lips still formed in a smile. “What made you come to that conclusion? We are just helping Augustus pay off a two decade long debt.”