"Is he… is he really going to kill them?" one spectator gasped.
"They're just children!" another said, desperate and weak.
"No… this isn't judgment. It's punishment," someone whispered harshly. "Punishment for the runes!"
"But look at their fathers—" another murmured, "if this happens, they'll never forgive him."
Eyes darted to Elysia's father, who could no longer stay silent. His face was drenched with sweat, not only from the unbearable heat but from the terror clawing at his heart.
"Your Majesty! I beg of you—stop this madness! Whatever suspicions you carry, whatever doubts you hold, give us the chance to prove their innocence! Do not stain this hall with such cruelty!"
The plea trembled in the air, heavy with desperation.
The Celestial Royal turned his head slowly.
When he spoke, his voice was thunder wrapped in venom.
"Silence!"
All around the arena, the participants who had witnessed everything began to stir.
