Ascension Of The Villain

Vyan and Iyana stepped out of the palace, the late evening air cool against their skin. Iyana expected to see the familiar surroundings behind the imperial grounds, but instead, they were enveloped in darkness.

A twinge of curiosity stirred within her as she tightened her grip on Vyan's hand.

"Vee, where are we?" she asked, her voice a soft echo in the void.

Before she could press him further, a flicker of light ignited in the distance.

Suddenly, the entire banquet hall was bathed in a warm, vibrant glow, illuminated by breathtaking fire-themed decorations, each flame crafted from Vyan's magic. The walls shimmered with hues of orange, red, and gold. The ceiling looked alive with embers that danced like stars in the banquet hall.

Iyana stood frozen in awe, and when she looked down, her breath caught.

The stiff lines of her military uniform had vanished, replaced by a stunning red gown that seemed to flow like liquid fire. Her reflection shimmered off the polished floor, the intricate details of the dress perfectly complementing her slender frame.

She noticed that Vyan, too, had undergone a transformation—his usual attire swapped for a black coat adorned with rich, red designs, paired with a deep crimson shirt that mirrored the fire-lit ambiance around them.

Just as Iyana's mind began to absorb the wonder of it all, soft music drifted through the hall, surrounding them in a gentle melody.

Vyan turned toward her, his voice smooth, yet earnest. "Will you honor me with our first dance, my lady?" he asked, extending his hand, his wine-red eyes locking with hers.

Iyana felt her heart melt at the sight of him, but a teasing smirk tugged at her lips. "Hmm? Should I?"

"Please," Vyan's voice lowered as he stepped closer, his gaze intense. "I have far too many years for this."

"Alright, fine. I will take pity on you." A soft chuckle escaped her as she placed her hand in his.

And with that, they began to dance. The banquet hall—empty except for them—seemed to disappear as they moved together, perfectly in sync.

The fire above them flickered and flared, casting shadows that moved with them, as if the magical flames themselves were their audience. She absolutely loved it when he displayed his powers without any restraints—it was like he was showing his true self.

Vyan's hand rested gently on the small of her back as they twirled across the floor. The music swelled, and with it, Iyana's heart.

She couldn't resist a sly grin as they moved together. "This song... I told you once it was my favorite, didn't I?"

"You did," Vyan murmured. "I always remember everything about you."

Iyana's chest tightened at his words, a warmth blooming there that had nothing to do with the fire surrounding them. She let herself be lost in the moment, in the way they fit so perfectly together.

Despite the irony that it was their first dance together, there was a familiarity to the way they moved, as if they had been doing this dance all their lives, as if they were always meant to.

As the song came to a close, Vyan's hand lingered on hers, his eyes never leaving her face. "Happy birthday," he whispered once more.

Iyana opened her mouth to thank him, but before she could speak, Vyan added with a sly smile, "Don't thank me yet. There is a lot left still."

"What—" As their dance ended, the world around them shifted once again.

The fiery banquet hall dimmed and melted away, replaced by the open expanse of a field bathed in the glow of small, floating fireballs. They flickered like stars scattered across the sky, casting a golden light over the grass beneath their feet.

Iyana blinked in surprise and glanced down—her stunning red gown had disappeared, replaced with sleek training gear. Vyan's attire had shifted as well, now sporting his own combat gear.

Iyana turned to him, eyes wide with curiosity. "What's this?" she asked, her voice edged with playful suspicion.

Vyan's grin widened, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes. He took a step back, pulling a sword from thin air, the blade gleaming in the warm glow.

"I know how much you love a good sword fight," he said smoothly, settling into a ready stance. "So, what better way to celebrate than giving you the thrill of it? I know you have been too busy for it ever since you became the commander."

A smile tugged at Iyana's lips, and she shook her head fondly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Are you sure I will get a thrill out of it? Or are you just setting yourself up to get your butt kicked?" she teased, her hand instinctively reaching for her own blade, which had appeared at her side from her magical pouch.

Vyan raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, maybe the opposite might happen?"

Iyana let out a laugh, positioning herself with her sword raised, her heart pounding with excitement. "Yes, right."

With a shared glance, they lunged at each other, their blades colliding with a sharp clang that echoed across the field.

The force of the clash sent sparks flying from their swords. Vyan smirked as he pressed forward, but Iyana met him stroke for stroke, her swordplay as fierce as her gaze.

Their rhythm was like the dance they had shared moments ago—perfectly in sync. Vyan's strikes were swift, but Iyana parried each one effortlessly, the thrill of combat lighting up her expression. She grinned as their blades locked again, leaning in just enough to meet his gaze. "Is that all you have got, Your Grace?"

"Not even close," Vyan replied, pushing her back with a quick flick of his wrist, breaking the lock.

She recovered quickly, her footwork light and agile as she advanced, her blade slicing through the air toward him. He dodged, barely, the playful tension between them thickening.

Each swing of their swords was laced with challenge and laughter, their banter constant as they danced across the field, the floating fireballs reflecting in their eyes.

It was a battle that wasn't about winning or losing, but about the sheer joy of testing each other's limits, of sharing a moment of unrestrained freedom.

Vyan's grin never faltered, even as Iyana pressed him harder, forcing him to retreat with a skillful flurry of strikes. "You are enjoying this a little too much," he quipped, dodging a well-aimed swing.

"And you are not?" Iyana countered, her breath steady, though her muscles hummed with adrenaline.

"Eh, well, I do enjoy a magical battle more," he shrugged, and with a swift pivot, he slid behind her, their blades clashing once more as he whispered in her ear, "However, the point of this fight is your enjoyment. So, tell me, my lady, are you enjoying yourself?"

She smiled, their swords locked once again, the field glowing around them. "How can I not enjoy myself when you are around?"

———

As the clash of their swords finally subsided, Iyana stood victorious. Her eyes gleamed playfully as she lowered her blade, looking down at Vyan with a satisfied smirk. He, though slightly winded, chuckled, shaking his head in defeat.

"I guess I did get my butt kicked after all," he said, his voice light with amusement.

She put forward her hand for him to get up, saying, "It appears you need to work on your sword skills more to make me feel more thrilled."

"I think you appeared just perfectly thrilled," he shot back, catching her hand.

Before she could tease him further, the world around them shifted again, the open field dissolving into soft hues of white and gold. The gentle glow of twinkling lights surrounded them now, easier on the eyes, casting a dreamlike ambiance over the scene.

Iyana looked down and gasped softly.

Her training gear had been replaced by a gorgeous white gown. It appeared to have been crafted from the finest silk and lace. Vyan, standing beside her, now wore a tailored white shirt, the design elegant and understated, yet undeniably striking.

She blinked, a look of surprise crossing her face as she turned to him. "Where are we getting these dresses from? I don't remember owning any of it."

Vyan grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Oh, I had them made especially for you."

Iyana sighed fondly, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the warmth in her voice. "I guess it's not even a surprise anymore that you know my taste in clothing so well."

"Of course," Vyan replied, his tone smooth and teasing as he offered her his arm. "I know my lady is fashionable, so I had to make sure everything was just right. I wouldn't want you thinking I would dress you in something ugly."

She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head as she took his arm, allowing him to guide her forward.

As they walked, she cast him a curious glance. "So, what now? Are we going to cut my birthday cake?"

Vyan's eyes gleamed mischievously, his lips forming into a smirk. "Nope."

They rounded a corner, and there before them stood a table, but instead of a grand cake, there were bowls and utensils, flour, sugar, eggs, and all the ingredients needed for baking, spread out in a neat arrangement.

Iyana's eyes widened as she stared at the setup. She breathed out in disbelief, "Oh, my Goddess, don't tell me—"

"Yep," Vyan finished for her, a grin stretching across his face. "We are going to make your birthday cake."