Turai's breathing was steady as he stood over Ivan, who sat on the ground, clutching his ribs. Blood dripped from Ivan's mouth and smeared his clothes, evidence of the internal injuries he had sustained from Turai's devastating retaliation. He spat out another glob of blood, his glare fixed on Turai.
"Well," Turai said, his tone cold but edged with anticipation, "I've held up my end of the deal. Now it's time for you to fulfill yours."
Ivan wiped the blood from his lips and chuckled darkly. "You really don't waste time, do you?" His voice was hoarse, and his breaths came in ragged gasps, but the light of defiance in his eyes remained. He nodded slowly, realizing there was no point in stalling any longer.
He had made the pact and lost the bet. The magic seal they had formed earlier still hovered in the air around them, shimmering faintly as if waiting for the truth to be spoken.
