Aetherius sprung up from where he was seated. He clenched his fist, wanting to rush to the battleground. Vlad used his magic to stop Aetherius from moving.
"What are you doing? How dare you try to stop me?"
"You aren't thinking of stopping the fight, are you?" Vlad smirked.
"You bastard... This fight cannot go on."
"So, do you admit defeat? If your pawn surrenders, then it'll be all over. Celina is crowned the victor,"
"Surrender? There's no way..."
The crowd suddenly roared in excitement, making Vlad and Aetherius divert their gaze to the field.
Beda was on the ground, struggling to stand up. Her heart pounded. Sweat slicked her skin beneath the dress armour she'd worn. It was now torn and burnt in several places. Her mouth went dry as Celina stepped closer, each footfall deliberate as she closed in.
"I won't lose to a freak like you!" Beda screamed, voice trembling, face twisted in fury.
Celina tilted her head as if examining an insect.
