What do you desire?

Damian's heart pounded in his chest as he met Tristan's cold gaze. Fear gripped him the moment he was released from his restraints in hopes of dueling Tristan, with it threatening to paralyze his every move. He knew the power Tristan possessed, and he had witnessed the gruesome fate that had befallen the rest. The thought of meeting the same end sent a shiver down his spine.

But there was something else, something more terrifying than the prospect of his death. The mere thought of engaging in a duel with Tristan, of clashing against the unstoppable force that now stood before him, made Damian's blood run cold. He knew, deep down, that he stood no chance against the power Tristan had acquired.

Damian's mind raced, searching for a way out, a way to avoid the inevitable confrontation. And then it hit him—a desperate, audacious idea that he knew would either save him or condemn him further.

His voice trembled as he spoke, his words carrying a mixture of desperation and resignation. "Tristan, I... I refuse to fight you."

Neriah's eyes widened in surprise, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Oh? It seems we have an unexpected twist in our tale," Neriah said, her voice filled with intrigue. She leaned back in her throne, her gaze shifting between Tristan and Damian. "Explain yourself, Damian. Why would you choose to turn down Tristan, especially when the consequences are as dire as not participating?"

Damian took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew his decision would have far-reaching consequences, but he also knew that fighting Tristan was a battle he could never win. "I've seen what Tristan is capable of, Your Imperial Highness. His strange ability is unmatched, and I fear for my life if I were to engage in a duel with him," he admitted, his voice laced with a mixture of fear and resignation.

'Coward!' Tristan sneered internally; however, his expression remained calm on the outside.

Damian met Tristan's gaze, his own eyes filled with quiet resolve. "I know you might see me as a coward, but it's not about honor or courage, Tristan. It's about survival. I know my limitations, and I refuse to throw my life away in a futile battle against you."

He turns to Neriah and goes down on one of his knees, pleading, "please approve of me being one of your servants instead of having to face that beast." He looks up at her pleadingly, tears welling in his eyes.

Neriah studied Damian intently, her fingers tapping against the armrest of her throne. A smile played on her lips as she assessed the situation. "Interesting," she mused. "You would rather be a servant in my kingdom than face Tristan in combat?"

Damian nodded, his voice steady. "Yes, Your Imperial Highness. I would willingly serve you if it means sparing my life. I can be of use to you and the kingdom of Nereid in other ways."

Neriah's smirk widened, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Tristan, your friend has made his decision. Are you willing to accept it?" she asked, her voice tinged with challenge.

Tristan's jaw clenched, his gaze flickering between Neriah and Damian. He knew that challenging her would rob him of his prize and delay its results, and the realization of losing the chance to wipe all his competitors, the last remaining pain in the neck he had, stung deeply. Yet, he couldn't deny the truth in Damian's words, nor the uncertainty that gripped his own heart at the thought of challenging Neriah's ability without proper knowledge.

With a heavy sigh, Tristan nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I accept."

A triumphant smile played on Neriah's lips as she rose from her throne, her presence commanding the attention of both of them in the room. "Very well, Damian. You shall be spared from the duel. But there must be consequences for your defiance," she declared, her voice resonating with authority.

Tristan's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of relief and disappointment crossing his features. He had hoped to face Damian in battle, to prove his dominance once and for all. But now, it seemed his plans had been thwarted.

Neriah turned her attention to Tristan, her voice cold and calculated. "Blind him," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Tristan's eyes widened in disbelief, his gaze shifting between Neriah and Damian. "Neriah, are you sure about this?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Neriah's smile grew wider, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Yes, Tristan. This coral has chosen his fate, and I have accepted his offer. This is his punishment for defying you and ultimately me. Now, blind him."

Tristan hesitated for a moment, torn between his will to kill and his growing doubts about Damian being left with such menial punishment. 'How about severing his arms or legs? Have him drink a boiling metal!'

But in the end, he knew he had no choice but to comply. With a heavy heart, he approached Damian, his hand glowing with an icy mist.

Damian closed his eyes, bracing himself for what was to come. He knew that his decision had sealed his fate, and now he would bear the physical scars of his defiance. As Tristan's hand touched his face, searing pain shot through his eyes, and darkness consumed his world.

The room fell into an uneasy silence as Damian crouched in pain, his vision forever stolen from him. He reached out, his hands trembling as he tried to find his bearings. His world had been forever changed, and he knew that his path would be filled with challenges and hardships. But at least he still lived... for now.

Neriah's voice broke the silence, her tone filled with finality. "Tristan, you are the winner of 'The Depth Of Desire' and will be given the cherished and potent treasure of our tribe... after you tell me what sensuous wish you desire most," she said, a sly grin playing on her lips. She leaned back in her throne once more, a glint in her eyes betraying a hint of amusement.

'Finally, the moment I've been waiting for,' Tristan thought excitedly; however, his excitement soon faded when his mind turned towards Damian once again. He clenched his fists tightly and took several deep breaths to calm himself down. Then he looked up at Neriah expectantly.

"I want to know how it feels to have your body ravaged by me!" he declared boldly, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He watched with glee as the color drained from Neriah's face, a look of shock spreading across her features before being replaced with a smug smile. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she rose gracefully from her seat.

With a clap of her hands, several siren soldiers stormed into the room and bowed before their Empress.

"Take the servant away, and alert the maids to prepare my chambers for tonight."

The guards nodded and grabbed Damian roughly, dragging him out of the room. Tristan's gaze lingered on Damian until he was out of sight.

Neriah walked over to Tristan slowly, her gaze locked onto him like an eagle eyeing its prey. "I knew I had chosen correctly at the shore," she murmured, tracing circles around his chest with her fingertips. "You are truly worthy of becoming my partner," she added with a soft sigh.

'Chosen? More or less abducting me is what you mean.' Tristan's thoughts were interrupted when her hand stroked along his cheek and neck tenderly. "Come now, privacy awaits in my chambers." She led Tristan through another door and down a long corridor.

*****

A/N

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