Rivera - POV
The fight raged on, each clash between Mars and Asher lighting up the arena with sparks—raw power meeting raw power. For a breathless moment, Asher's eyes locked with mine. Something shifted.
He stopped.
Without a word, he lowered his sword and stepped back. The sudden motion caught Mars off guard; his blade froze mid-strike, confusion clouding his red eyes.
Then Asher dropped to one knee, planting his sword into the ground. His hand rested on the hilt, head bowed, one knee touching the earth.
"I'm sorry, Lady Rivera," he said quietly. "I lost control."
"Huh? That's a sorry excuse for attacking her," Mars snapped, stepping between us.
"Mars, calm down," I said softly. He'd just returned from a long journey to the Northern Cauldron, only to walk into this mess.
"Seriously, Rive?" he shot back. I gave him a warning glare. Let it go.
"I am truly sorry, Lady Rivera," Asher said again, voice lower now. "I'm ready to accept any punishment."
