Blaine's fist hurtled toward my face with crushing force. I could have dodged it. I could have countered it. I could have even neutralized it with my own energy.
Instead, I let it hit me.
The impact exploded against my jaw. Pain shot through my skull as I allowed my body to crumple dramatically to the ground. I tasted blood in my mouth—a necessary touch of authenticity.
"Liam!" Conrad shouted, rushing to my side.
Laughter erupted from the crowd. Blaine stood over me, his face flushed with triumph and contempt.
"The great King of Eldoria," he sneered, shaking out his hand. "Nothing but talk after all."
I stayed down, pressing my palm against my jaw as if overwhelmed by pain. Conrad helped me sit up, his eyes filled with confusion as he whispered, "What are you doing?"
"Trust me," I murmured back, barely moving my lips.
