Steel found the narrow gap between armor plates at Marcus's side, sliding deep with a sound like wet cloth tearing.
Blood bloomed instantly, vibrant crimson against polished steel. Marcus's eyes widened in shock rather than pain, disbelief written across his handsome features as he staggered back. His sword arm dropped, the perfect form finally broken.
Silence fell over the arena, absolute and suffocating.
Marcus looked down at the wound, then back at Soren. His mouth opened as if to speak, but no words emerged. Instead, he sank to one knee, sword point driving into the sand for support as blood soaked his green surcoat.
The herald stepped forward, face pale beneath his ceremonial makeup. "Victory," he announced, voice unsteady, "to Soren Thorne, Blade of House Velrane."
The arena erupted into chaos.
