The room was small—barely larger than a stable cell. A narrow cot in the corner, a basin of cold water, and a single lantern floating in midair, its light flickering like a dying star.
Kai lay on his back, arms behind his head, staring at the stone ceiling. His daggers rested beside him, cleaned but unsheathed. Old habits died hard.
A low hum pulsed beside the bed.The Obsidian Fang.
It hadn't stopped vibrating since the battle. Not loud. Just... there. Like a heartbeat. A second pulse, darker, deeper—not his, but now undeniably tied to him.
You're not a weapon.You're a cage.
That's what the spear had whispered. A voice that wasn't a voice. Felt like something brushing against his soul.
"Still awake?"
Kai turned his head.
he arena pulsed, recognizing the surrender. The match ended.
Corrin stepped back, expression calm, but Kai—watching from the sideline—noticed the subtle rise in his chest. The slight tremor in his fingers.
He pushed himself. Harder than he let on.
