Chapter 6: The Challenge
It started with a letter.
Sealed in thick, black wax bearing a sigil I didn’t recognize.
It arrived two days after the battle—hand-delivered by a courier who refused to speak, only bowing low before pressing the heavy parchment into my hand.
I didn’t open it immediately.
I stood on the steps of the Silvermoon hall, turning the letter over between my fingers, feeling the strange pull of destiny humming beneath the surface.
When I finally broke the seal, the handwriting was sharp, slanted, and cold.
"Beta Athena,
News of your strength has traveled beyond your borders.
The King of the Obsidian Throne invites you to his court.
You are summoned to serve as the King’s Personal Fighter—protector of the crown.
Few are ever chosen. Even fewer survive the honor.