Crimson Rebirth ( GL)

Levan's presence was as welcome as a storm cloud on a sunny day. His cocky grin stretched wider as he approached, his steps slow and deliberate like he was savoring his own importance. 

"Xyra," he greeted, his voice dripping with familiarity. "You've been avoiding me." 

"I've been busy," I said curtly, my arms crossing over my chest. The last thing I needed was to deal with his petty antics right now. Especially with Ren standing just a few feet away, looking utterly unimpressed by the entire interaction. 

Levan's gaze flickered toward her, his expression souring for just a moment before he masked it with another smirk. "Ah, Captain Ren. You seem to be everywhere these days." 

"It's my job," Ren replied smoothly, her tone almost bored. 

"Well, I suppose I can't fault you for doing what you're paid for," Levan said, though the thinly veiled disdain in his voice was hard to miss.

He turned back to me, his smile sharp. "But you'll excuse me if I find it a bit excessive. A princess should be able to move freely without a shadow constantly lurking behind her." 

Ren's eyebrow twitched, but she said nothing. Her restraint was admirable—or infuriating, depending on how you looked at it. 

"Is there a point to this conversation, Levan?" I asked, my patience already wearing thin. 

His eyes gleamed with a mischievous light that immediately put me on edge. "As a matter of fact, there is." He stepped closer, his voice lowering slightly. "I was thinking it's about time I test this so-called 'captain' of yours. See if she's really as capable as everyone says." 

I froze, my annoyance quickly giving way to dread. "Levan, don't—" 

"Too late," he interrupted, turning to Ren with an exaggerated bow. "Captain, I challenge you to a duel." 

Ren blinked, her expression unreadable for a moment before she shrugged. "If that's what you want." 

"Levan, this is ridiculous," I snapped. "You're being petty, and everyone can see it." 

"Petty?" he echoed, feigning offense. "I'm merely looking out for your safety, dear Xyra. If she's going to be your protector, shouldn't she prove herself?" 

Ren stepped forward, her gaze cold and unwavering. "Fine," she said simply, her voice like steel. "Let's get this over with." 

The training yard fell silent as knights and onlookers began to gather, curious about the unfolding spectacle. I wanted to sink into the ground and disappear. 

Levan unsheathed his sword, twirling it in his hand like he thought it made him look impressive. "No magic," he declared. "Let's keep this fair." 

Ren smirked, her hands resting casually at her sides. "You're the boss." 

The duel began with Levan lunging forward, his blade slicing through the air. Ren sidestepped with ease, her movements fluid and precise. She didn't even bother to draw her weapon, instead using her footwork to evade every strike. 

"You'll have to try harder than that," she said, her tone laced with mockery. 

Levan growled, his attacks becoming more aggressive and reckless. Each swing of his sword met nothing but empty space as Ren danced around him, her expression calm and infuriatingly smug. 

"She's toying with him," I muttered under my breath, my fists clenching at my sides. 

Ren finally moved to counter, her hand snapping out to grab Levan's wrist mid-swing. With a sharp twist, she disarmed him, sending his sword clattering to the ground. 

The gathered knights murmured in astonishment, but Ren wasn't done. She delivered a quick, calculated strike to Levan's knee, forcing him to stumble. 

"You call that fighting?" she taunted, stepping back to let him recover. 

Levan glared at her, his face red with humiliation. He retrieved his sword, gripping it tightly as he launched himself at her again. This time, Ren didn't bother dodging. She caught his blade with her bare hand, the steel stopping just inches from her face. 

The crowd gasped, and even I found myself holding my breath. 

"You're predictable," Ren said, her voice low and dangerous. She wrenched the sword from his grip and tossed it aside like it was a toy. "And sloppy." 

Levan staggered back, his confidence crumbling. But Ren wasn't finished. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them with a predatory grace. Her hand shot out, grabbing the front of his tunic and yanking him forward. 

"Let me give you some advice," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "If you're going to challenge someone, make sure you're at least in their league." 

With that, she shoved him backward, sending him sprawling to the ground. The audience erupted in cheers and laughter, and I couldn't help the small, vindictive smirk that tugged at my lips. 

Levan scrambled to his feet, his face a mix of fury and embarrassment. He shot me a look, as if expecting me to defend him, but I simply crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. 

"Are we done here?" Ren asked, brushing her hands off like she'd just finished a chore. 

Levan didn't respond, his jaw tight as he stormed toward me. He stopped a few feet away, his eyes blazing with anger. 

"At least you and I are going on vacation tomorrow," he said, his tone pointed. 

I stiffened, my smirk vanishing. Of course, he'd find a way to ruin the moment.