Rebirth of the Fallen Zenith.-Chapter 28: Shadows Beneath the Blade

Shadows Beneath the Blade

The clashing of blades echoed through the morning air in the training hall, a rhythm of sharp steel and quick footwork. Orion and Lysandra moved together with practiced ease, their steps perfectly in sync. Laughter bubbled between them, light and unguarded, as Orion corrected a stance and Lysandra mock-scolded him for being too strict. Their focus was so absolute, neither noticed the figure standing at the entrance, cloaked in shadow and sunlight.

Unnoticed by them, a shadow stood at the entrance of the training hall.

A tall figure, black-haired and black-eyed, his jaw clenched tight and his gaze locked onto them—Edric Vale, Orion's stepbrother and Lord Theo's firstborn.

Rage simmered in his eyes. The sight before him struck like a blade to the chest. The brother he despised more than anyone in the world... standing beside her the same woman Edric had loved in silence, pursued with words, and dreamed of winning over. Laughing. training. Close. Too close.

Edric's hatred toward Orion wasn't born from rivalry—it had deeper roots. Their relationship had never been one of warmth or hatred — just a quiet, heavy distance. Their father, Lord Theo, never truly cared for his children and his wives. Their only warmth of family had always come from their mothers. And that's where the cracks had begun.

Orion's mother, Celia, had doted on her only son. And worse, Edric's own mother, Sera, had taken to Orion like he was her own son—loving him, defending him, shielding him some time even start neglecting Edric and Arin and that not all his own blood younger sister, Elara, admired Orion more than she ever acknowledged her own brother. And now... Lysandra Voss.

The one - woman Edric had loved, obsessed over in silence and in storm, now stood beside Orion, smiling like spring had bloomed in her chest.

Jealousy twisted deep inside him; his eyes darkened further. He remembered how he hadn't been able to sleep the entire night after the banquet, where Lysandra and Orion had sat side by side, chatting, laughing. It tore at his insides. He'd woken early, hoping to train with Lysandra, to lighten his mood. He'd even gone to her room, with smile on his face

He even went to her quarters, smile ready. But the moment he arrived, only to find it empty. and the guard informed him she had already gone to the training hall, a knot twisted in his gut.

Still, he told himself — She's probably alone. I'll join her. We'll talk. Just like always and maybe I got closer her. But when he arrived at the training hall, his hope shattered. When he saw her with Orion. Laughing. Again.

Edric stepped forward and enter training hall, his boots echoing sharply on the marble. That sound broke the moment. Lysandra and Orion turned. Their swords lowered.

Edric's mask slipped on—an easy smile hiding his boiling blood.

"Good morning, Lysandra," he said, voice warm and smooth. Then, his gaze slid toward Orion. "And to you, little brother."

Orion lowered his blade, sweat glistening across his brow. His eyes narrowed subtly. "Morning," he replied, but with measure tone.

Lysandra, ever composed, inclined her head. "Good morning, Lord Edric," she said in an even voice.

"I see you must be teaching some swordplay, my brother," Edric said, his voice oily-smooth. "Lysandra, you're so generous. Kind, as always."

Lysandra's eyes remained calm, but cool. "There's some misunderstanding, Lord Edric," she said plainly. "Lord Orion was teaching me one of his personal techniques. His guidance has been... helpful."

A flicker of surprise crossed Edric's face. He? Orion? Teaching swordplay? His practiced smile held, but his fists clenched behind his back. "You surprise me, little brother," he said with practiced warmth.

Lysandra's expression didn't shift. "By the way, Lord Edric," she said, her voice firm, "please address me as Miss Voss. We are not nearly that familiar.

Edric's smile faltered for a blink, caught off guard. "My apologies. I merely thought, as classmates—"

"Classmates are not necessarily friends," she cut in smoothly. "Courtesy should not be mistaken for familiarity."

A silence settled between them, thick and awkward.

Orion said nothing, his silence a quiet shield. He knew Edric's games.

Edric's fists clenched tighter beneath the folds of his cloak. His gaze dropped to Orion's sword. His eyes shone darkly. I got the cold shoulder because of you. Now I'll teach you what happens when someone crosses my line.

But aloud, he smiled. "It's been a while since we crossed blades, Orion," he said with feigned warmth. "How about a friendly spar? It would be good to see your progress."

Lysandra narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing his game. She knew Edric's obsession and his dangerous protectiveness toward her. And she knows he love her like madman but She'd told him multiple times—she felt nothing for him. But he never listened. other male student in academy had tried to talk or asked help with her, only to be bruised black and blue the next day. Edric never tolerated any man speaking to her for long. And now, it was Orion.

Irritation flared in her chest. She moved to interject—but a voice came first.

"I'm tired," Orion said flatly, not even looking at Edric. "Training with Lysandra has exhausted me."

The calmness was cutting. Edric's eyes flashed.

Edric's smile twitched. "But brother ––"

"If he does not wish to spar, there's no need to push him, Lord Edric," Lysandra said sharply, her voice clear as crystal.

Edric turned to her, irritation flickering behind his grin. But he kept it hidden. "Naturally, I am not forcing him."

A moment passed. Then something flickered in his eyes.

"Brother, you remember Father's organizing a hunting competition every year after some weeks later blessing ceremony? The one for young cultivators?"

Orion raised a brow. "Yes."

Edric's smile widened—too wide. "Are you participating?"

"I think so," Orion replied cautiously.

He turned toward Lysandra. "Miss Voss, would you like to join the Valeric City's Hunting Competition?"

Orion's eyes narrowed. Why invite her?

"You forget," he said coldly, "only novice cultivators can enter.

"True," Edric said, "but if I request it, Father might allow us to use cultivation-suppressing bracelets. We'd fit the rules then."

Lysandra blinked, thoughtful. She had finished her academy assignment, and technically, she was on break. The event was local. It wouldn't hurt to. Still... Edric's motives were never so simple.

"I'm not certain," she said carefully. "Competitions like that aren't exactly my idea of fun."

"Please," Edric urged, his voice syrupy. "It's more than just a hunt—it's a celebration. All our classmates will be there. It will be fun."

Lysandra regarded him silently. He's trying too hard. Why? What is going on in that twisted mind of his?

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Still, she had no reason to outright refuse. Not yet.

"If Lord Theo grants permission," she said finally, "I'll consider participating."

Edric beamed. "Great! I'll speak with Father today."

Orion glanced at him, then at Lysandra. Something dark was brewing beneath that smile. He could feel it. Something was coming.

Then, with a gentle smile, Edric stepped forward, adjusting his cloak and said wit smile. "Miss Voss, why don't we go to breakfast? Everyone is waiting."

Lysandra looked at the sky—the sun had climbed higher. She nodded. Then turned to Orion.

"Thank you for teaching me the basics of your technique," she said sincerely and bowed her head slightly.

Orion nodded. "It's not a big deal, Miss Voss. Just keep practicing with diligence."

As Lysandra turned to leave, Edric followed, but not before giving Orion a last look—a twisted smile, full of mockery.

Orion watched silently. What do you want now, brother?

He sighed, then left the arena, his mind lingering on the bitter smile Edric wore.