Chapter 5

“I accept this staff of leadership,” Lyra answered, despite the hesitation in her heart. Her voice pierced through the cheering crowd of villagers.

She gripped the wooden staff tightly, then looked at the District Warden and the rows of villagers with her calm, jet-black eyes.

“But listen to me carefully. I am taking this staff not to fight to kill, let alone massacre, but for defense and to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Anyone among you who harms the civilians of the Solaria Kingdom ... I will curse them into a slow loris myself!”

Caelum chuckled softly beside her, earning…