"Prince Aurien…" Ezra whispered under his breath, his body still, eyes slightly widened.
He had not expected that.
As soon as Aurien finished with Team D, more footsteps echoed up the incline. The other teams were arriving, drawn by the noise.
They saw Team D on their knees.
They did not hesitate.
Team B and Team C crested the ledge almost at the same time. The moment their eyes landed on Aurien standing calmly with the flag still in hand, they took it as a challenge.
They did not ask questions.
They attacked.
Ezra barely had time to breathe before it happened again.
Aurien moved.
Not frantic. Not aggressive.
Just certain.
He slipped between them like water slipping through cracks in stone. Steel never left its sheath. The scabbard struck, redirected, unbalanced. He used their momentum against them, their pride against them.
Within moments, both teams met the same fate as Team D.
On the ground.
Weapons knocked aside.
Kneeling.
Shocked.
Shame burning in their eyes.
