The roar of the crowd was deafening, a wave of sound that crashed over Elian like physical weight.
He stood blinking in the sunlight, leaning against Cassian's side. He was covered in slime, soot, and monster blood. He smelled like a barbecue gone wrong.
Cassian stepped forward, dragging Elian with him. He tossed the Golden Skull onto the velvet carpet in front of the Royal Box.
It rolled with a heavy thud, stopping at the feet of the High Chancellor and Count Valdus.
"The Trial is complete," Cassian announced, his voice raspy but projecting to the back rows. "The debt is paid. The treaty is void."
Count Valdus looked down from the box. His expression was a mix of relief (that the Prince was alive) and annoyance (that the political headache was just beginning). He looked at the skull. He looked at the Prince.
Then, his gaze slid to Elian.
Elian straightened his spine, trying to look less like a battered servant and more like a... strategic asset.
