Abel fixed his eyes on the severed head near his boots, watching blood leak from where it was cut. His expression was cold; there was no relief or joy in his eyes.
The sound of footsteps soon caressed his ears. It grew louder and closer, along with the sound of metals. Soon, the vast quad was surrounded by royal knights. Their steps halted upon seeing just one figure standing in the middle. When their eyes fell on Abel's opponent, their breath hitched as their eyes dilated in horror.
"Your Majesty…" a knight called under his breath, darting his eyes on Maximus's body and then at his head near Abel's foot.
Even though they couldn't see Maximus's face, the latter's long hair, which was now drenched with blood, was enough to confirm who it was. They were late. How could this match end so soon? It had only been an hour or two since Abel came into the palace's ground.
