Raphael felt the cold wind on his skin, yet the sun beat down on the school gardens, brightening the scene that was about to take place.
Sounds of whispers and chatter were spreading through the large crowd that had gathered. It was rare that a queen would involve herself with a student, so the duel would bring many eyes.
However, Raphael's attention was not drawn to the crowd talking about him.
He was focused on Persephone. The women he was about to duel.
The four other queens stood nearby, watching in anticipation, but he didn't care.
The Crown Queen stood in a confident stance, as though she were ready to start battle at any moment. But first, Raphael had to make a deal with her.
"If I beat you, will you acknowledge me as the strongest of the five schools?" He asked words carrying through gardens.
A smug smirk spread across the woman's face, as she beamed at him with glowing eyes.
