Arthur lay on the fractured arena floor.
A thin trail of blood slipped from the corner of his mouth. His shirt was torn, his breathing was heavy, and every attempt to move sent a fresh wave of pain through his body.
Above him, Adrian cracked his knuckles.
The sound was sharp in the uneasy silence.
"Next time," he said, looking down at Arthur, "think before you speak, twerp."
Arthur drew a shallow breath.
Then another.
He slowly turned his head toward Adrian.
For a moment, Sylvia thought he might have finally learned his lesson.
Arthur raised one trembling hand.
And showed Adrian his middle finger again.
Adrian's expression froze.
"You little—"
He took a step forward.
Sylvia immediately moved between them.
"Stop."
Her voice was sharp enough to cut through the tension.
"That is enough, Adrian. You've already beaten him enough."
Adrian looked at her.
Then at the hand Arthur stubbornly refused to lower.
His jaw tightened.
Finally, he turned away.
