As soon as Prince Valerie’s spectacular entrance came to a fiery end, all eyes turned toward the entrance, knowing that the next prince to make his appearance was none other than Aldric, the dreaded dark Fae prince.
The energy in the arena shifted instantly, and a heavy silence fell over the once-boisterous gathering. It was a suffocating silence, so thick and tense that not even the wind dared to whisper. Everyone was holding their breath.
For over a minute, nothing happened. The anticipation became unbearable, and the unease in the crowd grew like an approaching storm. Hearts beat louder than words as people exchanged nervous glances.
Islinda could feel it too—a kind of dread mixed with an inexplicable pull towards whatever was about to come. Then, without warning, the impossible happened.
Snow.
It began as a single, delicate flake floated down into the center of the arena, as if to signal something far greater was on its way.
The murmurs were immediate. Confusion spread like wildfire. This wasn’t the season for winter, and Aldric had relinquished his right to Aimsir.
Yet, here it was.
A slow cascade of frosty flakes began falling more steadily, blanketing the air and ground in a silent cold.
Islinda held out her hand instinctively, a snowflake landing on her palm. She smiled as the fragile crystal melted against her skin, a moment of innocence amidst the growing tension.
Just as she was mesmerized by the snow, the crowd collectively gasped, pulling her attention back toward the grand entrance. Then she saw it.
Aldric had arrived.
If Andre had called Valerie’s entrance "dramatic," then there was no word for Aldric’s.
The massive entrance doors groaned under the strain as they were nearly ripped from their hinges, a gust of cold air swirling through the arena the moment Aldric stepped forth, mounted on his powerful black steed, Maximus. The entire arena seemed to hold its breath.
"What the...?" Islinda’s jaw nearly dropped as she turned, her eyes scanning around for Maxi. It was confirmed, Maxi was the black steed.
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