The moment Daniel issued his challenge, the chaotic melee around them seemed to freeze. A singular event. A challenge issued between two kings on a battlefield of pawns.
The lesser combatants, both holy warriors and monstrous denizens, instinctively pulled back. The center of the blood-soaked plaza became a dueling circle. A silent and consecrated ground for a battle that would decide the fate of them all.
Edward looked at the Champion. At the unwavering, righteous certainty in his sapphire-blue eyes. He knew this was inevitable. The duel he had been running from. The confrontation his very existence demanded. He was the shadow. Daniel was the light. And in this world, there was no room for both.
He accepted the challenge. Not with a shout or a grand gesture. A silent and subtle shift in his posture. He rose to his full height on the pile of rubble.
The Shadowfang Dagger was in his right hand. His new shortsword was in his left. He settled into a low stance.
