From Ruin to Reign

yone stared at Marcus holding Dan

nger and embarrassment. "You l

ut Marcus's grip was like iron. The

sloppy. Your stance is wrong. You rely on raw power instead of

ed purple with rage. A ten-year-old w

lashing in his eyes. "Boy, do you know wh

any fear. "Old man, you came here uninvited. You challenged us. Your student tried to

Cornelius like that. The old man had pow

rn between pride in Marcus's courage and fear of

is," Marcus said respectfully but fir

ck. His whole body began glowing with

arged at Marcus. His speed was impressiv

ly. At the last second, he sides

w," Marc

. Each strike had enough power to break bones. But none of them

ight me!" Dante sc

a sword for," Marcus said. Hi

l his energy into his sword and unleashed his

tack was fast and deadly. Even Grandfat

the glowing sword came down, he caught

ord fizzled and died. The re

nte's eyes went

sword flew out of Dante's hand and cl

us moved. He was suddenly in f

Slap

e, one after another. The sound

to cripple Julian,"

rd enough to send the older boy flying backward. Dante crashed

ecting my grandfather's

e. "You dare! Do you know who I am? My son works in the imper

y and intimidating. "Your son works at the palace? So what? Does that give yo

rue strength doesn't come from connections or family background. It comes

ce instead of skill. He thought he could win through intimidati

red to each other, impr

h rage. "Boy, mark my words. This isn't o

Marcus said quietly. "On

people following. Before leaving, he turned back. "Octavius, con

a exploded with noise. Ev

Marcus stopped a th

ears old! How is

he was just a clea

s. His face showed a mix of emotions, sur

d to talk. In m

ulian, who was being helped b

ey'll heal," one of the teachers sa

office with Grandfather Octa

tell me you were so strong?" she

th tired eyes. "I could

reas

st prince of the Aurelius Kingdom. Like the fact that he trained every night for re

Octavius closed the door an

an said slowly. "You hide it too well. So I'

ruth. "I'm at the peak of third-class warrior, Grandfather.

. that's almost impossible. Even the greatest geniuses

I've read every book in your library. A

s?" Octavius

to someone. A promise I cannot break. To keep it,

es that made him sad. This child had s

rcus, you've revealed yourself now. Word will spread about

s a cold smile. "Let the

en listening outside the door. And that servant was

al capital. And in the palace, Cassian would hear

lost prince was