First, it was only silence. Because no one could process what just happened. And then the murmurs exploded. This outcome was something no one could have expected.
Some still couldn't accept it. But most could no longer deny Derek's existence.
Linda walked out of the arena, and her footsteps felt unusually heavy. She didn't look back.
Not because she didn't care. But because she knew — if she stayed even one second longer, she might lose the little pride she had left.
And just like that…
Only two people remained in the arena.
Derek. And Cecilia Glaciblade.
The noise in the arena slowly died down. The cheers, the whispers, the gasps — all of it faded into a strange, expectant silence.
Everyone could feel it. This fight was different.
Derek exhaled slowly and adjusted his grip on his sword. His daggers hovered quietly behind him, like two patient predators waiting for the right moment to strike.
