THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

Mariana walked through the softly lit corridors of Castrum Belli et Ignis, her silver-crimson armor catching the first light of dawn. Each step echoed gently against the polished stone floors, a rhythm that matched the steady beat of her heart. She couldn't quite explain the pull she felt, but something—no, someone—was drawing her forward.

Her hand brushed the hilt of her sword, a familiar comfort. But this morning, it wasn't her weapon that gave her courage; it was the lingering memory of David's effortless dominance during their spar. He was more than he appeared, and deep down, Mariana knew he might hold the answers to unlocking her full potential.

With every step toward his quarters, her resolve wavered. What was she even going to say? Demand he train her? Question him about his techniques? Or perhaps... just understand who he really was? She shook her head, her long crimson hair brushing her armor as she forced herself onward.

Finally, she stood before his door, her hand hesitating in mid-air.

What are you doing? Are you truly going to knock on the door of a man you barely know?

Her thoughts ran rampant, but she clenched her fist and muttered under her breath.

"Stop cowering, Mariana. Face him head-on, like the warrior you are."

She took a deep breath and knocked firmly. The sound echoed in the quiet hall. Her mind raced as she began to formulate a plan. Perhaps she'd start by thanking him for the spar, then lead into—

The door creaked open.

"Good morning, I—" Mariana began, only to falter when her eyes met a striking figure in the doorway.

A woman stood before her, her golden eyes gleaming like molten fire. Long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing features both ethereal and wild, a beauty with an unmistakable touch of beastly grace. Mariana blinked, her words caught in her throat as she instinctively scanned the woman from head to toe. The air of authority around her was palpable, and yet... what was she doing here?

Luna tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes studying Mariana with a calm intensity. A faint smile played on her lips, though her tone was flat when she spoke. "May I help you?"

Mariana's cheeks warmed as her earlier confidence wavered. She cleared her throat quickly, straightening her posture. "I... Is David here? Are you his attendant?"

Luna's expression shifted, her lips curling into a sly smile as she placed a hand on her chin in mock thought. "Attendant?" she mused, her voice gaining a playful lilt. "Oh, I suppose you could call me that... but I'm far more than a mere assistant."

Mariana's heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. The implication in Luna's words made her stomach twist, though she wasn't quite sure why. "I-I see," she stammered, her eyes flickering to the side.

What is she implying? Is she...? No, focus, Mariana.

Before she could find the right words to reply, a groggy voice called out from within the room. "Luna... who's at the door? And why aren't you coming back to bed?"

The words hit Mariana like a hammer, and her face flushed a deep crimson. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out as her brain scrambled to process what she'd just heard.

Luna chuckled softly, stepping aside slightly to reveal a glimpse of the room beyond. The first light of morning filtered in, and in the shadows, Mariana could just make out a figure stirring in the bed. The sheets rustled as David sat up, his white hair tousled and his sharp blue eyes narrowing groggily toward the door.

"Who is it, Luna?" he repeated, his voice low but edged with curiosity.

Mariana's mind raced.

Is that David De Gor? Did I misjudge him? There's something undeniably cute and charming about him. Who is this man?!

Luna glanced back at him, her sly smile unwavering as she turned her attention to Mariana once more. "It's the Ironblade girl," she said simply, her tone carrying a faint hint of amusement.

David rubbed his eyes, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and standing in one fluid motion. His movements were unhurried, yet every step he took toward the door exuded an innate confidence. By the time he reached Luna's side, Mariana had barely managed to regain her composure.

"Mariana," David greeted, his voice steady and calm as he studied her with those piercing blue eyes. He was clad in simple, dark clothing that only seemed to enhance the air of mystery around him. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Mariana swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. Her earlier resolve returned in small increments as she straightened her spine and said, "I came to talk. About earlier."

David arched a brow, glancing at Luna, who merely shrugged and stepped aside to let Mariana into the room. "All right," he said, gesturing for her to enter. "Let's talk."

As she stepped inside, she felt the weight of his presence more keenly than ever. The room was simple yet elegant, with subtle traces of magical energy lingering in the air. Luna closed the door behind her, leaning casually against the frame as if to observe the unfolding interaction.

Mariana turned to face David fully, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "I want to know who you really are," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing within her. "And how you defeated me so easily."

David tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Is that all?" he asked, his tone light yet probing.

Mariana's frustration bubbled to the surface. "Don't toy with me, David De Gor," she snapped. "I've dedicated my entire life to the sword. I've bested countless opponents. Yet you—without even trying—defeated me. Who are you, truly? What's your secret?"

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, David's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "I'm not toying with you," he said quietly, his gaze locking onto hers. "But I don't think you're ready for the answers you're seeking."

Mariana's jaw tightened. "Try me."

David regarded her for a long moment before sighing. "Very well," he said, crossing his arms. "But remember—you came to me seeking the truth. Don't blame me if it's not what you expect."

Mariana's heart pounded in her chest as she prepared herself for whatever revelation was about to come.

Who are you, David De Gor? And what secrets do you hold?