The annual hunting competition was more than just a grand spectacle. It was a stage for power plays, alliances, and schemes. For me, however, it was an opportunity to disappear.

But this year, the stakes were higher. Kazmir Xylos, the Grand Duke of the Northern Region, had made a rare appearance, throwing the nobles into a frenzy of speculation.

Inside Emperor Lucerian Maximus's lavish hunting tent, Kazmir stood before the Emperor and his wife, Empress Celestina, his usual flirtatious demeanor replaced by a composed, formal air. That alone was enough to put everyone on edge.

"Have you noticed?" one noble whispered, craning his neck for a better look. "The Grand Duke hasn't flirted with anyone today. Not even a wink."

"Perhaps he's gravely ill," another replied.

"Or cursed!" said a third, eyes darting toward me.

I sighed inwardly, suppressing the urge to roll my eyes. Kazmir might have behaved like a child most of the time, but I was under no delusions—he was sharp, dangerous, and far too observant for his own good.

The Emperor smiled as Kazmir approached. "Grand Duke Kazmir, thank you for your prompt arrival."

Kazmir inclined his head with an exaggerated flourish. "Your Majesty, how could I resist a royal invitation? I live for a good hunt."

Some nobles chuckled awkwardly, unsure if he was being sarcastic.

"Yet, you're nowhere to be found during the subjugation recently. Also, it's no ordinary hunt," Emperor Lucerian said. "The demonic beasts have grown bolder. We require your expertise."

Kazmir sobered instantly. "Then I will assist however I can."

The Emperor turned to me, his expression deliberate. "You'll also have the assistance of Dame Amira, granddaughter of Emperor Lucius Maximus."

The tent fell silent.

Kazmir blinked, his green eyes flicking to me. "Granddaughter?" His voice carried both curiosity and faint disbelief.

"Yes," Emperor Lucerian continued, ever the politician. "She carries the legacy of the First Emperor Lucius's firstborn and the God of Aura. Preserved by divine intervention, no less. She was instrumental in quelling the monster surge in Xylos. It's fortunate for us all, especially for you, Grand Duke, that she was present, given your absence during those troubling times."

Kazmir tilted his head, smirking faintly. "Divine intervention? How very dramatic. Are you sure you're not secretly a princess from a fairy tale?"

"Who says I'm not?" I shot back, arching a brow.

The Emperor chuckled, but Kazmir didn't laugh. For a moment, something sharp flickered behind his gaze before his usual mischief returned. "In any case, I look forward to seeing your skills, Princess."

I wanted to facepalm myself as the Emperor elaborated on my heritage and training—details that should have remained private. Knowing Emperor Lucerian, he had his reasons, likely political, perhaps even aiming to secure my future marriage. I couldn't help but suspect that Kazmir’s bachelor status and my own might not be a mere coincidence in the Emperor’s plans, especially since I had overheard whispers in the council that my sudden appearance years ago had unsettled him.

The hunt began in chaos. The first Valkan salamander burst from the underbrush in a streak of molten fire, scattering the nobles like leaves. Its molten scales pulsed with heat, and its eyes glowed with predatory intelligence.

"Are you sure you didn't personally offend it?" Kazmir called out, sprinting past me, his cloak flaring dramatically. "It looks angry enough to hold a grudge!"

"I swear, your grace Grand Duke Kazmir—" I dodged a blast of fire, glaring at him. "Less commentary, more fighting!"

He grinned mid-sprint. "Why so formal? Why not both?"

Before I could retort, the ground trembled. A second salamander emerged, almost identical to the first but larger, its form camouflaged against the darkened forest.

"There are two of them!" I shouted.

Kazmir's playful demeanor disappeared. In one fluid motion, he drew his sword and charged. "I'll take this one. Don't get yourself roasted."

"I'll try my best," I muttered.

Kazmir's blade flashed as he met the salamander's charge head-on. Despite the smoke and fire, he moved with deadly precision. His sword strikes were sharp and deliberate, every move calculated. He didn't speak or grin. This was Kazmir at his most focused—a force to be reckoned with.

The second salamander had its sights on me, fire pooling in its throat as it roared. I sprinted toward the cliff, where Papri's decoy stood waiting. I had one chance to make this work.

The beast unleashed a torrent of fire, and I didn't dodge. I reached for the flames, my Nothingness Manipulation flaring to life. The fire bent to my will, threads of heat swirling in my grasp.

Lightning crackled around me, the energy humming in my veins as I fused the fire with my power. The storm I created was a raw, chaotic force—lightning entwined with fire, writhing and alive.

With a shout, I hurled it toward the decoy. The wooden figure exploded into flames, burning so brilliantly that it could have been mistaken for my demise.

The Valkan reared back, distracted, giving me just enough time to activate the teleportation scroll. As I initiated the magic, I heard Kazmir's voice cut through the chaos, "No, Amira cannot be dead!" His tone was a mix of disbelief and refusal, a rare break in his composure that hinted at deeper feelings unspoken.

The scroll's magic which looked like the breath of the Valkan enveloped me, and the world around me began to blur into streams of color. The last image I saw was Kazmir, sword in hand, his figure poised defiantly against the creature, as he turned towards the fiery explosion where the decoy burned. His face, usually so full of mischief and control, was stricken with panic and concern. It was clear he wasn't ready to accept what appeared to be my fiery end.

To be continued...