"This is it!"
"She's cornered him... no way to run now!"
"Do it, Miyu!"
The voices rose again, swelling through the arena like thunder.
But neither of them moved.
Her eyes softened for the briefest second, too brief for anyone but Eran to notice. His faint smirk in reply said everything: I'm still here.
And though the crowd screamed for blood, something far quieter burned between them, an unspoken promise neither could voice under all those eyes.
"Get up, commoner!"
"She's not done with you yet!"
"Come on... crawl if you have to!"
The crowd's shouts burst like firecrackers, echoing through the dome.
Beneath the archway, the same boy from before leaned forward, laughter spilling from his lips. "It's not over... not with Miyu! Even if he stands, she'll tear him apart. 'Go on, commoner, let's see that smirk crawl across your face again!"
The nobles around him joined in, cruel grins twisting their faces.
"Ha! Look at him bleed! She's just playing with him!"
