Chapter 351: He Raised the Stakes Once More

Chapter 351: He Raised the Stakes Once More

Meredith.

It has been three weeks since my siblings finally returned to Stormveil.

Three weeks since I had to practically plead with Draven to send them back because, for some oblivious reasons, he hadn’t wanted them to leave.

The memory makes my stomach turn, not because I cared for Mabel or Gary, but because I needed them gone.

Having them in Duskmoor, under the same roof, was suffocating. I wanted them out of my sight, and begging was the simplest way to make that happen.

A great deal had happened in these past three weeks.

Four groups of our people had returned safely to Stormveil. Draven ensured that, selecting the finest warriors to escort them and leaving no detail unchecked.

And the Great Wall back home—the one that had felt like a dream more than a plan, had finally been completed. Even from here, the thought of it fills me with a strange pride, as if a part of me belongs to that land already.

My days had also fallen into a rhythm. Each morning, I ran. Sometimes with Draven at my side, sometimes with Dennis or Jeffery, and sometimes alone when everyone else was occupied.

The runs had grown easier, though my legs ached less, my breath evened out sooner, and my body responded in ways it never used to.

As evenings remained specifically for combat training, Dennis and Jeffery pushed me hard, sparring until sweat soaked through my clothes, and my arms shook with exhaustion.

And when Draven arranged combat duels between his warriors, I watched, learning from the things they do right, and especially from the mistakes that end in quick defeats.

Every night, I felt myself growing stronger and sharper.

Everything has been moving smoothly, almost too smoothly, except for one thing. And that is the fact that Draven still refuses to duel with me.

Not once in three weeks did he agree. Every time I asked, his answer remained the same: not now.

I gritted my teeth just thinking about it now. I’ve trained with Dennis, with Jeffery, and I’ve pushed myself until my body screamed.

But if I am to stand beside Draven, if I am to truly learn, then I need to face him.

And his avoiding it feels like he is keeping something from me, holding back what I need most.

Today, I planned to bring it up again. Thankfully, he asked me to come to his study, and that gives me the perfect chance.

My hands clench at my sides, my pace quickening with the frustration bubbling beneath my skin. If he says ’no’ again, I’m not sure I will be able to hold my tongue this time.

As I walked down the corridor already rehearsing the words in my head, I told myself that this time would be different, that I would be able to convince him.

But just then, Valmora’s voice slithered into my mind, sharp enough to make my brow crease. "You are no match for him."

"Are you not the one who has been urging me to push him for a duel? Why are you saying this now? Are you trying to discourage me?"

"No,

I exhaled sharply through my nose, muttering under my breath, "Yes, yes. This is the tenth time you’ve reminded me of that fact."

"I couldn’t help it."

Her tone was annoyingly self-satisfied. I shook my head and kept walking, my steps carrying me down the long corridor until I stood before Draven’s study.

Then I knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," his voice rumbled from inside, steady and commanding as always.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. My eyes scanned the room, immediately settling on him—sitting in the sitting area, upright, his presence effortlessly filling the space.

But Jeffery was there too, seated opposite him, their conversation interrupted by my arrival.

I paused mid-step, a flicker of disappointment tightening in my chest. ’So I wasn’t the only one he had summoned.’

With a soft inhale, I closed the door behind me and crossed toward them, my eyes briefly flicking to Draven before I shifted aside, choosing not to interrupt whatever discussion I had just walked into.

"You came at the right time," Draven’s lips curved as he reached his hand out.

Jeffery turned his head, inclining it respectfully. "Luna."

I gave him a brief nod before slipping next to Draven on the same sofa. His warmth bled through the small space between us, but I pushed past the distraction.

If I didn’t seize this moment now, he would drag me into whatever talk he and Jeffery were already buried in.

"I have something important to tell you," I began—

But as soon as I started, a sharp knock on the door cut me off. Then it swung open.

I heard it close again a heartbeat later, then Dennis strolled in with that lazy confidence only he could wear.

He threw himself onto a single sofa, sprawling as though the room belonged to him.

Draven didn’t seem fazed. Instead, his golden gaze found mine again. "What is it you want to say?"

I drew in a breath, my heart steady but firm. "For this evening’s training... I want to duel with you."

His smile came easily, too easily. And with it, the familiar refusal. "Not now. This isn’t a good time."

My jaw tightened. "You’ve been saying that for weeks. Draven, I’ve trained with Dennis and with Jeffery. I’ve run until my lungs burned. I’ve bled on your training grounds. What else do you need to see?"

His eyes softened, but his voice remained steel. "Not now."

I leaned forward, refusing to back down. "Then when?"

He said ’not now’ again, this time with a gentle but firm tone, but I pressed harder, reminding him that I wasn’t asking for kindness; I was asking for the fight I deserved.

Finally, after his last refusal, he sighed. His gaze sharpened, his voice measured. "If you want the opportunity to fight me, then first, you must kill a vampire."

From the side, Dennis let out a low whistle.

I whipped my head toward him, frowning as annoyance bubbled in my chest.

"You’ve raised the stakes again," I muttered, glaring back at Draven. "You’re moving the finish line every time I get close."

Dennis grinned, lounging comfortably as he said, "My brother is a hot cake."

I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. "Don’t worsen my mood, Dennis."

He only chuckled.

I turned back to Draven, who was watching me intently, unflinching. Then he lifted his hand, gesturing toward Dennis and Jeffery.

"These men have killed vampires on their own. If you can’t do the same because you’re afraid, then you are no match for me. You are not worthy to fight me."