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Chapter 83

Author: Lydia
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-21 19:55:43

Jude’s POV

“Say it again.”

Selene’s voice was sharper than any blade. The Council chamber had fallen into silence, her words cutting across the gathered Lords like a lash. Her eyes, pale and merciless, locked on me as though daring me to repeat myself.

I obliged her.

“I will fight,” I said, calm and clear. “No champion. No substitute. My blood, my blade.”

The words carried through the vaulted hall, rolling into silence that trembled before it broke.

And then—laughter.

It spread like fire. Lord Marov’s laughter came first, loud and cruel. Veyren’s followed, darker, like gravel poured into a pit. Even the younger Lords joined, their voices sharp with mockery.

“Unbelievable,” Marov wheezed between chuckles, his thick jeweled fingers gripping his goblet. “Centuries hidden in shadows, and now you mean to stride into the arena as if the years haven’t stripped you soft?”

“A desperate ploy,” Veyren added, his grin like broken teeth. “He thinks fear will win battles before they’re fought.”

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