The audience erupted into a mix of gasps and cheers as Cain reappeared, standing with casual ease at the far end of the platform. His chest rose and fell with steady breaths, not hurried, not strained, as though Abel's furious assault had been nothing more than a child's tantrum.
Abel grit his teeth, his sword raised defensively as he pivoted to keep Cain in sight. His earlier confidence had been shaken, but not broken. Pride roared within him, demanding that he silence the murmurs from the crowd, demanding that he erase the humiliation he had just suffered.
Cain's smile widened slightly, but there was no joy in it. It was sharp, edged with intent. "You came here to put on a show," he said calmly. "But the only one being entertained right now is me."
