"Today," Alexander continued, each syllable falling like an executioner's blade, "you will kill him. Not as an executioner. Not as an assassin. But in equal combat. No chains. No mercy."
The words echoed in the hall like a decree from the heavens.
"And should you fail…" Alexander paused, letting the silence stretch like a noose around Riley's neck. "…he will walk free. His crimes forgiven. His chains broken. And as for you… you will die a gruesome death."
The prisoner threw back his head and laughed, a sound of savage joy that filled the chamber.
His eyes blazed with hunger, his grin splitting wider, showing yellowed teeth.
Riley's pulse hammered in his ears, but his face remained serene, betraying nothing.
He wore the mask of an obedient son, his posture straight, his chin lifted.
Inside, however, his mind was a storm—calculations and contingencies racing like wildfire.
So this is it, he thought. A trial by blood.
