Bride To His Darkness

"A clash of valor."

Maurice read the name of the event atop the registration form, his gaze mixed with anticipation and trepidation as he scanned the form.

The sun had risen the next day, and the organizers had begun distributing the registration forms to the citizens who were eager and eligible enough to participate in the event, whilst the citizens of EmptyHollow had to meet at the capital’s Town square to receive the form in person. The forms were intricately designed, with elegant calligraphy and an emblem depicting the blood-red moon intertwining with a silver sun, and Maurice could tell that the King must have put in enough effort to make the form stand out so trimly.

The registration form outlined the participant’s personal information, combat skills and any specific abilities they possessed. There was also a section requiring a brief description of why they were motivated to take part in this groundbreaking event. He had filled out everything except for the last one, whilst he pondered to himself his main motive for agreeing to be a part of this event.

There were too many reasons.

With graceful penmanship, he completed the form, affirming his belief and unity to forge a new path. When he was done filling the form, he handed it back to the organizers who distributed them so they could add it to the list of registered candidates.

"Ladies, and the gentlemen of GreenHollow!" Helena, the leader of the organizers, stepped onto the small stage in the center of the town square to address the crowd. "As you all know, and have been informed by the Herald himself, GreenHollow is likely to encounter another war in the coming future. We don’t know when, nor are we sure about the future of our Kingdom, but in preparation to that, we bring an extraordinary event, a bold step towards unity as we present to you ’A clash of valor’"

Helena’s gaze scrutinized the people who erupted in a mixture of gasps and murmurs, and most of the audiences were well-built men. A clash of valor had already been introduced to the people by the Herald, but to make sure they were aware of what the event truly held, she proceeded to repeat it herself. "As you all know, this grand tournament will not only feature Humans but our vampire brethren, and there is a healthy reward for the one who can emerge as the winner. To those who succeed in getting into the fourth and fifth round, you will become part of the royals and work as the King’s soldiers.... Isn’t his Majesty benevolent?"

"Shouldn’t the King’s right hand man be addressing the crowds instead?" Someone from the crowd mocked out loud, and silence ensued at his question. "You’re a woman, you don’t understand what happens in a battlefield so I demand a man with great enough experience to relay the news to us." He demanded, and the crowd of men whispered their agreement on that specified matter.