Khan stood in the center of the ruined arena, breathing heavily as the last echoes of the judgment faded into silence.
He looked around slowly.
Not a single face welcomed him.
Not a single person celebrated his freedom.
Every gaze directed toward him was filled with hatred.
He laughed anyway.
"So this is your mighty Lechia."
His voice carried effortlessly across the silent arena.
"You put all your hope in one man."
He looked down at Lucas's motionless body and nudged it contemptuously with the tip of his boot.
"And look where that hope brought you."
A wave of furious shouts erupted from the crowd.
"Killer!"
"Monster!"
"You'll pay for this!"
Khan merely smirked.
He turned toward the royal platform.
His eyes met the Empress's.
"You chose him over your own blood."
He gave a mocking bow.
"I hope he was worth it."
The Empress did not answer.
She simply stared back, tears continuing to fall in complete silence.
Khan chuckled.
