The Last Trial (2)

As soon as the teams were set, the trial began. The arena erupted into a chaotic blend of noise and motion as each team strategized and darted through the maze-like structures searching for the flags. The air buzzed with tension, every footstep echoing ominously off the stone walls.

Raena's heart raced as she, Lucius, Zorina, and Cleagor moved swiftly through the labyrinthine passages.

The architectural grandeur of the arena was mesmerizing, with towering spires, hidden alcoves, and crumbling statues that provided both cover and obstacles. The air was thick with tension, every sound amplified in the stillness as they navigated the narrow corridors.

Lucius led the way, his eyes sharp as they darted from one shadowed corner to the next. "Stay close," he ordered, his tone clipped. "We can't afford any mistakes."

If there was one thing Raena knew, it was that the young heir looked very determined to win the challenge. But there is this weird feeling creeping up on her spine... 

Raena followed closely behind, her senses on high alert.

Zorina and Cleagor trailed them, exchanging glances that Raena couldn't quite interpret. They moved as a unit, each step calculated, but there was an underlying current of mistrust that made Raena's skin prickle.

As they turned a corner, the team spotted the first flag, a black one, fluttering atop a crumbling pillar. Lucius nodded towards Raena.

"You take this one," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Raena nodded, determination fueling her steps as she approached the pillar.

She could not help but blush with the heir's order. It was weird!

Was she starting to become one of his fangirls in the entirety of this Kingdom? Oh... that would sound so crazy!

Raena shook her head to try to dissipate the unnecessary thoughts in her head. She focused her energy, summoning the shadows to her aid, and with a swift, graceful motion, she retrieved the flag.

"I... I did it!" Raena was amazed by what she was able to do.

The gleam in her eyes looked so genuine as the princess smiled softly at her teammates.

One was annoyed, the other was irritated, and... well, someone else was shocked by how pretty Raena actually was.

Her success filled her with a sense of accomplishment, but little did she know that feeling was short-lived.

"Good," Lucius muttered, his voice now colder in an instant. "But we're not done yet."

They continued through the arena, the tension between them palpable.

Lucius's orders were curt, and Zorina's silence was unnerving. As they moved deeper into the labyrinth, Raena couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Suddenly, they found themselves face to face with Ivana and Vladimir from Team Yellow!

Ivana's eyes lit up with malicious glee as she saw Raena, and without warning, she launched a volley of magical attacks. "Well, if it isn't Little Miss Shadow. Let's see how far that new skill of yours can take you."

Raena barely had time to react before Vladimir's voice rang out, his tone conflicted. "Ivana, wait—"

But Ivana was relentless, her spells crackling with raw energy.

Raena summoned her dark magic, her heart pounding as she deflected Ivana's attacks. She cannot let the Lady of the Vailes retake this fight from her; she has grown tired of all the mockings she has received!

Indeed, the force of their duel sent shockwaves through the arena, the very ground trembling beneath their feet.

Raena's newfound confidence in her abilities gave her the upper hand, and she began to push Ivana back. "You'll regret underestimating me," Raena said, her voice steely with determination.

I know...

I know I can do this!

Ivana sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Oh please, so ignorant! You think you've won? You've only just begun to fight."

With every strike, Raena grew more determined, the memory of her past failures fueling her desire to win.

Just as she was about to deliver the final blow, a sudden sharp pain shot through her side!

"ARGH!"

What... what a turn of events! Even Headmaster Zelbus was shocked!

Zorina, who had been watching the battle intently, had struck Raena from behind!

"Raena!" Vladimir screamed, his eyes filled with horrifying expressions.

The blow wasn't strong enough to incapacitate her, but it was enough to throw her off balance. Raena stumbled, her concentration faltering, and Ivana seized the opportunity.

"You have no one, you bitch."

With a vicious grin, Ivana unleashed a powerful spell that sent Raena crashing to the ground. The impact left Raena dazed, her vision swimming as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. Pain radiated through her body, and she could barely summon the strength to move.

Lucius, standing over her, chuckled darkly. "I told you, Raena. You're not cut out for this."

Zorina, now at Lucius's side, looked down at Raena with a mixture of guilt and resolve. She had followed Lucius's orders, betraying her teammate in the process. Cleagor, who had been silent throughout the ordeal, joined in their laughter, his eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction.

Why...

Why...

Aren't we all... on the same team?!

"Please... d-don't.. Don't leave me here..."

Raena's heart sank as tears welled up in her eyes.

She had been so close to victory, only to have it ripped away by those she had trusted. They were her teammates, for fuck sake!

The betrayal cut deeper than any wound, and as she lay on the cold, unforgiving ground, she couldn't stop the tears from falling.

Lucius's voice was like ice as he spoke. "You should have known better than to trust anyone here, Raena. Weakness has no place in Thornwood."

I can't ...

I can't let it...

Let it end this way...

Please!

Raena tried to summon her strength to push herself up from the ground, but the pain was too great. Her vision blurred with tears, and she felt utterly defeated.

Lucius, Zorina, and Cleagor turned and walked away, leaving Raena behind.

Their laughter echoed through the arena, a haunting reminder of her failure. As their figures disappeared into the shadows, Raena curled into herself, the tears flowing freely now.

"Why...? What is..."

She had tried so hard, given everything she had, but it hadn't been enough. The pain of betrayal was overwhelming, and as she lay there, defeated and alone, she wondered if she would ever be able to rise again.

"What is wrong with me...?"

Raena's sobs echoed in the empty corridor, a heart-wrenching sound that mingled with the distant cheers of the other teams.

She was alone, utterly and completely, and for the first time, she doubted if she could ever find the strength to fight again.