Page 39 of Emylia

He swung his sword one last time, letting out a deafening war cry.

Maalikai’s eyes widened, no longer looking at me but intently watching the sword swinging toward his chest; he drew his sword up, but there was no time to block.

No time to parry.

Uncle Thrainn stopped the blow before it plunged through Maalikai’s chest. The look of pure astonishment as Maalikai studied the sword that was mere inches from his heart, etched into every one of his impossibly handsome features.

Disbelief coiled in the silence, nearly tangible. Thrainn heaved a sigh, looking expectantly at the crowd.

Just like that, the match had come to an abrupt end.

“That’s bullshit!” Sebastian was in an uproar, instantly springing to his feet.

What the Nexus had just happened?

Did anyone else notice the intense connection between Maalikai and me, or was it just me? Or had I imagined the whole thing?

Lost for words, I couldn’t bring myself to ask Sebastian because what would it mean if I hadn’t imagined it?

Right now, I couldn’t deal with that level of crazy.

Instead, I let a smile play across my face, nudging Sebastian’s shoulder with mine. “You’re just being a sore loser.”

Sebastian turned to me with a look I’d never seen before, almost like a man possessed.

“I fought him; there is no way he would make a mistake like that! There is no way he would hesitate and leave himself open.”

My gut told me Sebastian was right, but I wasn’t about to admit that. “You think he lost on purpose?”

He shook his head in disbelief. “No, Iknowhe lost on purpose.”

“Why would he do that?”

Before he could answer, we were interrupted by Thrainn’s booming voice.

“Seems like the boy has skills, but not enough to beat me.” Thrainn was breathless but he managed to finish his sentence before sucking in another deep gulp of air.

The crowd roared, and for once I wasn’t among them. I was too focused on Maalikai. It appeared like he was breathing like normal, unlike my uncle who was gasping for air.

How was it possible that the fight had taken nothing out of him? And if a fight as aggressive as this had no impact on him, then what else was he capable of?

Nope.

I so wasn’t going there!

Was Sebastian right? Did he throw the fight, or was it just a coincidence that he’d hesitated? Or did I distract him?

It had felt like time had stopped the moment our eyes met. And I couldn’t think of a single reason why he’d purposefully lose unless he wanted Thrainn to save face in front of his people.

Did he acknowledge the importance of us seeing our chief claim victory and forfeit his own transgression to honor?

Everything about him didn’t make sense, and strangely enough, I found myself wanting to know why.

“As your chief, you look to me for many reasons; my wisdom, my courage, my strength, and most importantly my devilishly good looks.”

Laughter filled the air. Typical Uncle Thrainn—cracking a joke as the crowd was still recovering from the tension of the fight.

“But being a leader is not about being the best at everything. It’s about never giving up, even when all odds are against you. I may be the strongest man out here, but today, I wasn’t necessarily the best. Through the will of the Gods, I managed nothing shy of a miracle, and here I stand, your victor. But it is Maalikai who is your champion.”

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