"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen of the nobility, ministers..."
Aaron looked around the room and gave a faint smile. "I need a candlestick."
Anthony II nodded. "Give him one!"
Lord Dean stepped forward and handed him a golden candlestick.
Aaron took it, snapped his fingers, and lit the candle. Gasps rang out around the room. Only Prince Theon curled his lip in disdain, apparently convinced it was some sort of trick.
"Not only am I a fire mage, I'm also skilled in fire divination. I can see everyone's future in the flames..."
Aaron announced with a smile.
"Is that so? Then have you seen my future?"
Prince Theon asked scornfully, "If you get it wrong, I'll have your head."
"Of course I have."
Aaron stared into the candle flame, his eyes utterly calm. "You will be burned by fire, burned to death!"
"You bastard!"
"Seize him!"
The moment Prince Theon and the Queen roared, Aaron snapped his fingers.
Snap!
A mass of pitch-black fire suddenly appeared out of thin air and fell upon Prince Theon, engulfing him in roaring flames.
"Ah!"
Prince Theon screamed and was reduced to ashes in an instant.
The searing heat curled the hair of several noblewomen nearby.
Everyone at the banquet was stunned by the sight, frozen in place.
"Ahhh!"
At last, Vivian came to her senses, screaming in terror. "Aaron! He's Aaron Sothoth! Count of Green Forest Aaron Sothoth!"
"Guards!"
The once-grand ball was swallowed by a chorus of shrieks.
The crowd scattered in every direction. Anthony II's furious bellow rang out: "Guards!!!"
A flood of armored soldiers poured in, while Dean drew his sword and stood guard before His Majesty.
Aaron merely waved a hand. Countless roots burst from the ground, pierced Dean through, and flung him aside.
"Witchcraft?"
The Queen screamed, her