Grim's laughter echoed across the arena, cutting through the unnatural silence that had fallen over the crowd. It wasn't the laughter of amusement but something darker, bordering on manic.
Talyra's silver eyes narrowed beneath the spectral moonlight. "What's so funny, Ambrose? This is where you die." Her voice took on a ceremonial cadence. "Lord Malaxis will reward me greatly for your head."
The name sent a ripple of unease through the crowd. Malaxis was a name spoken only in whispers within the Empire. The enigmatic ruler of the Demon Lands who was feared everywhere.
Grim's laughter subsided, but a dangerous smile remained on his face. His eyes reflected the moonlight with an eerie glow of their own as he looked up at the celestial body Talyra had summoned.
