"Interesting," the Arbiter's deep voice cut through the tension.
He watched Max differently now, his masked face tilting just a little as if the change in Max's aura had finally become worthy of his attention. The long golden smile did not move, but the way he stood changed. It was small, almost impossible to notice, yet Max could feel it. Aurelian was no longer looking at him like some mortal waiting to be judged. He was studying him.
"Unlike the others..." Aurelian said, his calm voice carrying through the broken palace. "You are blessed with a natural talent for magic."
Max did not understand what the man was talking about, nor did he care enough to ask.
The last chain snapped.
And Max shot forward.
