A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd at the Emperor's decree. Ariana let out a shaky breath, relief mixing with the sharp sting in her shoulder.
The words were final and with this Elara's loss was sealed, and Vale's desperate attempt had only stained his name further.
Kael gave a small nod, his expression calm, though his eyes glinted with something far colder. He turned his head slowly toward Vale, his words deliberate and cutting through the air like a blade.
"You are next," Kael said, his voice calm yet heavy with challenge.
The tension in the arena grew thick, pressing down on everyone present. Ariana clenched her sword tighter, her breath steadying as the pain in her shoulder dulled beneath the weight of the moment. She could feel the shift in the air. The first battle was over, but the true storm was only beginning.
