Guilt or Glory

Chapter 1

Malakai had always favored the moments before a battle. The unknown opponent, the different variables that could lead to victory or defeat, and the visualizations of the fight ahead. The anticipation of action made him dizzy—the excitement overwhelming. Even now, after two years of constant battle, those moments were a rush.

He stood before a large gate, the sandy arena of the Grand Marble Theatre beyond it. The cheers of the crowd echoed around him. Malakai fussed with the handle of his sheathed claymore and the straps to his armor, the anticipation not allowing him to be still.

This was the event the Planes had seen since the war, an anniversary of peace. An abundance of activities and performances had taken place, several gladiatorial battles, chariot and sky races, feats of strength, and even displays of animals from each of the three realms. The combat ahead was the grand finale, expected to be greater than everything that preceded it.

Malakai had heard whispers throughout the halls beneath the amphitheater. They said his opponent's skill rivaled that of his own. That thought alone thrilled him.

Finally, the large gate clattered open. Leaving the straps alone, Malakai picked up his gilded helmet and strode into the sands of the amphitheater. Sunlight blanketed the arena, blinding him as he left the shadowed hall. Adjusting to the light, Malakai could now see the large crowd that sat atop the marble stands.

The people of Caeluum sat to the left side, their wings of various sizes and colors unfurled as the cheered. The right side was filled with citizens from Daenum, their stockier builds, carved horns, and the lack of wings setting them apart from the others. Despite the strong alliance between the two planes, the two sections did not intermingle. They all cheered as Malakai and the other gladiator entered the pit. Some held flags and signs, indicating who they favored.

He reached the center before his opponent did. Upon seeing the familiar silver longsword and helmet, Malakai smiled. The broad Daenumic man stood before him. His dull blue skin was marred with various scars, similar to Malakai, and his navy horns curled upwards, the left one shorter than the right. The silver armor the gladiator wore covered a heavily muscled body. The Daenumic man looked down at him, a menacing expression that could intimidate the best spread across his face.

Malakai simply laughed. "Now, now—you know that doesn't work on me, Bohr."

"I learned from the best," the man, Bohr, replied with a chuckle. His voice was deep and gravelly, his laugh the same.

"You've grown taller." He craned his neck higher. "I believe the nickname little one no longer works."

"No, it doesn't, sir."

They both share a smile before a hush fell over the crowd. Turning to look at the balcony above, Malakai freezes. He expected the announcer that had been presiding over the previous events, not the rulers of the Caeluum themselves. Lady Evangeline and Lord Evangelos, the twins, looked down upon the pit, their elegant crimson wings spread out behind them. Their gazes seemed to never leave Malakai. A knowing smile spread across both of their faces.

He felt his heart stop. Do they know? They couldn't possibly know!

They turned their gaze away from him, now addressing the crowd.

"I welcome you all to the final event of our celebration," Evangelos greeted the crowd.

Evangeline smiled, saying, "It has been a year since our victory against the Zairenian creatures and the great sacrifice our Goddess made to save us all. But now, we have a new infestation of these creatures. They call themselves—the Ashwood Revolution."