“What is unreasonable is that Jarrett has learned under the profusely talented Garm for almost a decade now, and continues to be so pathetic with the sword. It’s laughable, and we should stop wasting our resources with training such a pathetically talented vampire.”

The table was silent. Samara lifted her head for the first time. Blaire blinked. Jade’s jaw had dropped at the incredible disrespect shown by the family-disappointment. Even Sting, who feared any kind of conflict with his family, could not believe what he had just heard.

Crack

The apple that Jarrett was holding onto exploded in his fist.

“What did you say, Draven?!”

Jarrett had risen to his feet. His blistering stare heated the room. His light red eyes reflected his rage.

“Must I repeat myself, Brother? Are you so slow that you didn’t hear me?”

Samara could not affix her gaze from Draven. ‘Who is this boy?’ ‘Has my Draven grown a backbone?’ It would be a lie if she had stated she did not enjoy seeing the always pathetic Draven show some passion. Blaire, on the other hand, held no such feelings of satisfaction.

“Draven, you would disrespect your brother? Further, in front of your parents and other siblings?”

Draven casually took a swig of his red wine before answering.

“Father, my life is at stake in this Feast. I care not about anybody’s opinion of me- I just care about my safety. As such, I wish to take Jarrett’s sword trainer from him.”

Jarret could hold his rage no longer. After a deep breath, he wiped his mouth with his handkerchief and spoke- unable to hide his anger.

“If I am so weak, then how about a duel to settle things? If you win, I will gladly hand over Master Garm. If I win, however…” Jarrett stopped in thought.

“If you win, I will provide you with Cornella.”

Jarrett raised his eyebrow at such a proposal. Draven knew that Jarrett had liked Cornella for years- and the Draven of past would often harass Cornella for the purpose of tormenting Jarrett. Truly despicable were the only words that Draven could use to describe his past actions- but they had created such an opportunity today. Draven knew that asking for Garm as his teacher was unreasonable- after all, why would Blaire remove the most talented swordsmanship teacher away from the best swordsman in the family right before the Feast? He had purposely provoked Jarrett, knowing that he would try to take advantage of the purposeless aggression and create a scenario where he would be able to save Cornella from the foul and disgusting Draven.

“Well, Jarrett? Surely you are not so much of a coward to refuse my challenge? After all, I am a drunk, an addict to Dream Crystal. I have not even touched a sword or practiced a spell in years. You all know this. With that said, I will duel you for Garm and Cornella’s rights in 3 days time. If you should refuse, the family shall know that first born son Jarrett is a frightful coward.”

Draven was pushing every one of Jarrett’s buttons in the book. Jarrett was prideful and loved Cornella, and he also despised those that lazed about like Draven.

“I accept, of course.” Jarrett answered firmly. He had every intention of obtaining Cornella.

Draven brought his hand up to his face, pretending to hide his mouth so that he may speak while he ate. This appeared completely natural to everyone in the room except for Samara and Jade- who could tell that he was simply hiding the smile on his face.

“Very well. With Father as our witness, we will duel for aforementioned rewards. 3 days from now, at noon on the 8thday of Martius, we will duel.”

The rest of the dinner was silent and awkward.

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