The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Lucian’s Meeting with Ulric

Lucian tightened the cuffs of his sleeves, his gaze distant as he prepared to leave. “I have a meeting with Ulric regarding Sylvara,” he said matter-of-factly, his voice carrying a heavy tone.

Aeliana, who had been standing by the window, turned sharply. “I’m coming with you,” she said, her voice resolute.

Lucian looked at her, his crimson eyes softening for a moment before firm resolve replaced it. “Not this time, Aeliana,” he replied, his tone gentle but unwavering. “You still have to train.”

Aeliana frowned, stepping closer. “Train? For what? If it’s about Sylvara, I’d rather be there to confront her directly than sit here swinging a sword at Kael.”

Lucian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sylvara isn’t just a political opponent, Aeliana. She’s a seasoned fighter. If it comes down to it—and it very well might—she’ll challenge you, and she won’t hold back. This isn’t like sparring with Kael. She’s lethal.”

Aeliana crossed her arms, her jaw tightening. “And you think I’m not capable of holding my own? Is that what this is about?”

Lucian stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. “This is about keeping you safe,” he said quietly. “I know you’re strong, Aeliana. But Sylvara doesn’t play fair. She’ll aim to humiliate and hurt you. I need you to be ready—not just for her skill, but for her malice. The last thing I want is for you to face her unprepared and get more than a scratch.”

His words lingered in the air, heavy with concern. Aeliana’s resolve wavered, but only slightly. “I can handle myself,” she said softly, though her voice lacked its usual conviction.

“I know you can,” Lucian said, his voice low. “But let me handle Ulric and Sylvara for now. Focus on your training. When the time comes, you’ll be ready, and I’ll be right there beside you.”

Aeliana wanted to argue, but the sincerity in his eyes silenced her. She sighed and looked away, conceding for the moment. “Fine,” she muttered. “But you’d better come back in one piece.”

Lucian allowed a faint smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Always,” he said. Then, with a flick of his cape, he turned toward the door. “Train hard, Aeliana. I’ll see you soon.”

As the door closed behind him, Aeliana stood there, her fists clenched. The thought of Sylvara looming as a threat gnawed at her. She hated feeling like a pawn in this larger game, but if training was what it took to prove herself, she’d do it. Even if it meant sparring with Kael until her arms ached.

Aeliana’s frustration was evident in the way her fists clenched at her sides. “You think I’m not ready, don’t you?” she challenged, her voice sharp as her gaze bore into Lucian’s.

Lucian paused at the door, his back to her, and for a moment, there was silence. Then he nodded slowly. “You’re not ready,” he said evenly, turning to face her. “But that’s not a bad thing.”

Her jaw tightened, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Kael stepped forward, a teacup still in his hand. “Look at the bright side,” he said, his voice calm and measured. “You are learning. Every day, you’re improving. That’s what matters.”

Aeliana scoffed, brushing her hair out of her face in irritation. “Improving isn’t the same as being ready. Sylvara won’t wait for me to ‘improve.’ She’ll take one look at me and see someone she can crush.”

Kael took a sip of his tea, then set the cup down on the table, the porcelain clinking softly. “Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “But here’s the thing—you don’t have to fight Sylvara right now. Lucian’s doing what he can to settle things with Ulric and Sylvara. If he’s successful, you might not have to face her at all.”

Aeliana narrowed her eyes at Kael. “And if he’s not successful?”

Kael’s calm expression didn’t waver. “Then you’ll fight her—and you’ll win,” he said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Aeliana blinked, surprised by his confidence. “You sound so sure,” she said softly.

Kael smirked, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed. “I’ve seen how determined you are, princess. You don’t give up, even when things get tough. That’s what makes a great fighter. Not just skill, but heart.”

Lucian watched the exchange silently, his gaze flickering between the two. Finally, he stepped closer to Aeliana, his tone softer now. “Kael’s right. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Aeliana. But strength alone isn’t enough. That’s why I need you to keep training. Not because I don’t believe in you, but because I do.”

His words settled something in her, though the frustration still simmered beneath the surface. “Fine,” she said finally, her voice quieter. “But don’t expect me to sit here and wait forever.”

Lucian smiled faintly, brushing a hand against her cheek. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said. Then, turning to Kael, he added, “Keep her safe while I’m gone.”

Kael nodded, his expression serious. “You can count on me.”

As Lucian left the room, Aeliana sighed, slumping into a nearby chair. Kael poured her a fresh cup of tea and slid it toward her. “You’re tougher than you think, princess,” he said, a hint of a smile on his face.

Aeliana took the cup and stared into the amber liquid, her thoughts a whirlwind. “I just hope I don’t have to prove it too soon,” she muttered.

Lucian entered the grand hall of Ulric’s manor, the air heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth, a reminder of the werewolves’ affinity for the wild. Ulric, the imposing alpha of the werewolf clan, sat at the head of a long, intricately carved table. His golden eyes glinted with dissatisfaction as Lucian approached, his boots clicking against the polished wood floor.

“Lucian,” Ulric greeted, his tone cool but laced with authority. “I hear troubling news. You intend to break the union between you and Sylvara?”

Lucian nodded, his posture straight and unwavering. “That’s correct, Ulric. Circumstances have changed. I am now betrothed to Aeliana, and my allegiance lies with her.”

Ulric’s jaw tightened, and he leaned forward, his hands clasped together. “The union between you and Sylvara wasn’t just about you two. It was a pact—a bridge between our kin and yours. Do you realize how this will look to my people? To the other clans? They will see it as betrayal.”

“I understand your concerns,” Lucian said calmly, his eyes locking with Ulric’s. “That’s why I propose a solution. A duel between Aeliana and Sylvara. If Aeliana proves herself, it will show that she is worthy and capable of standing by my side as my bride.”

Ulric raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching in intrigue. “Interesting. You’re willing to gamble your fiancée’s honor on her ability to best Sylvara in combat? You must have quite a bit of faith in her—or in Sylvara’s mercy.”

Lucian’s gaze didn’t waver. “Aeliana is stronger than she appears. This duel will prove that. And it will give Sylvara a chance to decide this matter on her own terms.”

Before Ulric could respond, the door behind him swung open, and a figure stepped inside. Sylvara. Her silvery hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and her piercing emerald eyes lit up the moment she saw Lucian. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward him, throwing her arms around his neck and jumping up, wrapping her legs around his torso in a playful, familiar embrace.

“Lucian!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with delight. “It’s been too long!”

Lucian staggered slightly at the force of her enthusiasm but quickly steadied himself, his hands instinctively going to her waist to support her. “Sylvara,” he said, his tone warm but measured. “It’s good to see you.”

She pulled back slightly, her face close to his as she grinned. “You look well,” she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Still as handsome as ever.”

Lucian chuckled, gently setting her back down on the ground. “And you haven’t changed at all,” he said. “Always full of energy.”

Sylvara tilted her head, her grin softening into a more serious expression. “I heard about the proposal to end our union. Is it true?”

“It is,” Lucian said, meeting her gaze evenly. “But I’ve proposed a duel between you and Aeliana to resolve the matter. If you accept, it will be a fair way to determine who will stand by my side.”

Sylvara crossed her arms, a spark of amusement in her eyes. “A duel? Against your little light-being fiancée? That sounds… entertaining. I accept.”

Ulric, who had been observing the interaction with a smirk, finally spoke. “Well, this should be interesting. But, Lucian, be prepared. If Sylvara wins, the pact remains, and you will marry her as originally agreed.”

Lucian nodded. “Agreed.”

Sylvara clapped her hands together, her excitement palpable. “I can’t wait to meet this Aeliana of yours. Let’s see if she’s worthy of you.”

As the meeting concluded, Lucian couldn’t help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. The duel would not only test Aeliana’s strength but also determine the future of his alliances—and his heart.