He had only showed them a glimpse of his ability but that alone was terrifying, Akhil balled his hands into a fist, doubt creeping in.
The compulsion he'd warned about wasn't just psychological. It was literal. Absolute. Inescapable.
Aria's hand found Akhil's arm, gripping it tightly. Not for support, but in shared understanding. They'd known this would be bad. Had prepared as best they could.
But this? This was worse than they'd imagined.
"We can't run," she whispered.
"No," Akhil agreed quietly, his eyes never leaving the screen where Jeren continued explaining his rules with that same dark smile. "We can't."
Which meant there was only one option left.
Win. Somehow, against all odds, against divine backing and legendary warriors and a Titan who could teleport people at will—
They had to win.
Or they'd all die trying.
On the screen, Jeren's smile widened even further, as if he could hear Akhil's thoughts. As if he welcomed the challenge.
