Lana
Kaelith turned around fully, staring straight at me. His eyes were sharp, unshakable.
"This duel is valid, Lana," he said flatly, but with an emphasis that made my heart sink.
"Lucen agreed to all the terms before the fight began. You were there. You heard everything."
I froze.
Yes. I had heard it. I saw Lucen nod. But I still couldn't accept it.
I lowered my gaze, looking at Lucen now lying helpless on the ground. He was still breathing—but barely. His body trembled, and blood pooled from his chest, soaking the cracked soil beneath him.
"He could die…" I whispered, half to myself. "Lucen could die because of this..."
Kaelith stepped closer. His footsteps were calm, but every step felt like it echoed through the pulse in my skull.
Without a word, he bent down in front of me. And before I could even draw another breath—
My body was lifted off the ground.
