The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 161

The dust of battle had barely settled. Lucian's body still lay sprawled on the stone floor of the arena, blood soaking through his once-pristine garments. The crowd was in shock—silent, stunned, overwhelmed.

And then came the voice.

"Winner… Jaden Rift!"

The announcer’s declaration echoed across the arena like a war drum. Cheers followed slowly at first, then faster—roaring into waves of thunderous applause and disbelief.

“Jaden won…”

“He really did it…”

“He ended Lucian…”

“The throne of power belongs to the Scarface and Winston families now…”

A new chapter had been written in blood.

But just as the crowd began to process the moment, a new presence descended on the arena.

The air shifted. Soldiers entered the space with rigid precision, their black armor gleaming under the lights. Behind them strode a man wrapped in a dark crimson cape, bearing the insignia of Ironvale.

General Kaelus.

One of the most feared names in the empire. A war strategist. A kingmaker. And the appointed Overlord of Ironvale City.

He walked with purpose, flanked by Hope and Drax, two of his most trusted lieutenants—and four elite soldiers.

The crowd backed away instinctively. The tension snapped like glass when Kaelus suddenly knelt.

Flat on one knee. Head bowed.

“All hail the King of War.”

Gasps rippled across the arena.

Jaden blinked, stunned. His breathing was still rough from the battle, knuckles stained with Lucian’s blood. His chest rose and fell, adrenaline still burning beneath his skin.

“Kaelus?” Jaden muttered. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Kaelus looked up, his expression hard but respectful.

“I swore I would never show myself again unless it was necessary. And this moment... was long overdue.”

Jaden lowered his guard but kept his tone firm. “You didn’t answer me.”

Kaelus stood. “First, let me offer you my respect, and my congratulations. You’ve done what no one else could. The Thornfell’s reign is over. Your mother’s legacy of betrayal—purged from the record.”

Jaden’s eyes darkened. His jaw clenched.

“I’m not done yet,” he said. “Agatha still breathes.”

Kaelus gave a slow nod. “Then the war isn’t over.”

Jaden froze.

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