Chapter 18: You are Cruel Host
Varell rose to his feet, his voice booming like thunder across the chamber.
"I, Varell Duskwood, in the name of Ashurael, invoke the right of Phoenix Trial—for divine justice, against the dishonor my bloodline has suffered."
As he spoke, he drew a ceremonial blade from his side, slashing it across his palm.
Blood dripped down, hissing as it met the air, and then—
Whoosh!
It ignited in crimson-gold flames as he channeled his Essence into it.
The fire flared, forming a spectral image of a fiery winged beast behind him.
Gasps rippled across the room.
Selene didn't flinch. Her gaze met his without hesitation.
"I, Selene Glimor, in the name of Ashurael, accept your challenge."
She lifted her hand, a soft golden glow wrapping around her fingers as a feather-shaped flame etched itself into the air.