THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Chapter 211: Chapter 211: A SHADOW OF DOUBT

Moonlight bathed the balcony in a soft, ethereal glow, casting shimmering silver across the silken blue of Mariana's nightdress. The fabric clung to her curves with effortless grace, a testament to her striking beauty, though her thoughts were far removed from appearances. Her crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the faint luminescence of the moon. She stood still, arms resting on the marble railing, her mind an unrelenting storm.The spar with David replayed in her thoughts like a haunting melody. Every deflected strike, every step he didn't take to meet her flurry of blows—it was all too fresh, too sharp. She had devoted herself to the sword since realizing she lacked the magical talent that her sister, Elara, commanded so effortlessly. Yet here she was, defeated. Who was this David, and what family had produced such a man? A noble bloodline, surely, but one cloaked in mystery.

Mariana let out a long sigh, the sound carrying the weight of her frustration and disappointment. Her fingers tightened on the railing, the cool stone grounding her.

Was all her training insufficient? Had she been deluding herself into believing she could stand amongst the strongest with sheer determination alone?

The bitter taste of defeat lingered, like ash on her tongue. Among her peers, she had stood proud, unwavering in her dedication to the blade. Yet now, doubt crept in, whispering insidious thoughts.

A soft voice startled her from her reverie. "Mariana."

She turned swiftly, eyes wide, to find her elder sister, Elara, standing in the doorway. The Archon of Warfare radiated quiet authority, her presence commanding and graceful. In public, Mariana would have bowed deeply, showing proper respect to the Archon. Here, on the balcony beneath the stars, they were simply sisters.

"Elara," Mariana murmured, her voice a mix of surprise and affection.

Elara approached with measured steps, her dark eyes filled with concern. Without a word, she drew her sister into a gentle embrace, wrapping her arms around her. "What's wrong, little sister?" she asked softly, her voice like a soothing balm.

Mariana hesitated, her pride warring with her vulnerability. "Nothing," she said at last, her tone forced. "You should go to bed. Your condition—"

"Don't deflect," Elara interrupted, pulling back just enough to look into Mariana's eyes. Her gaze was penetrating, unyielding,

Elara nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "The same. David De Gor, rumored to be a disgrace to his family. But if this is the same boy, then those rumors were likely a ploy—a clever ruse to conceal his monstrous strength."

Continue reading at M-V-L

Mariana's knees nearly buckled as the weight of the revelation crashed down on her. Her pride, her confidence—all of it felt like it had been built on a fragile foundation that David had effortlessly shattered. She sank onto the bench near the balcony, her head in her hands. "How could I have been so blind?"

Elara placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself, Mariana. If this truly is the same David, then his family has gone to great lengths to keep his abilities hidden. Few could have anticipated such a level of strength, least of all you."

Mariana looked up at her sister, her crimson eyes burning with renewed determination. "It doesn't matter who he is. I need to know more about him. If I don't understand how he became so strong, I'll never grow beyond where I am now."

Elara studied her sister for a moment before nodding. "If that's what you believe, then follow your instincts. But be careful, Mariana. Someone who possesses that level of strength isn't to be trifled with lightly."

Mariana stood, resolve tightening her features. "I'll be cautious. But I won't stop until I understand."

Elara leaned back against the railing, her lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Interesting," she murmured, her gaze drifting toward the moonlit horizon. "This David De Gor might be more than just a guest. He could be a game changer."

Mariana didn't respond, her mind already spinning with plans to confront David once more. Whatever it took, she would find answers—and perhaps, reclaim her pride in the process.