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There was a screech and a loud thud, followed by an almighty crack. I heard the Arachne’s legs thunder on the ground, away from us, and the crowd erupted into a chant I couldn’t decipher.

I turned to see what had happened, and there stood Rook, brandishing his battle ax, which was covered in the green blood of the Arachne. The creature was scuttling back and forth, that red mouth torn open as it screeched, lamenting its cracked right claw.

Rook advanced on the creature, arcing his ax towards it. The Arachne opened its other claw as Rook drew closer, roaring, sending black dots of spittle flying through the air. Rook rushed at it, swinging the ax into the underside of its leg.

The Arachne reared up, screeching furiously as it flicked one of its back legs in Rook’s direction. I cried out as the spine-covered leg slashed Rook across the stomach, sending him through the air, skidding to a halt in the sand. He clutched a hand to the seeping wound, blood pouring from between his fingers.

He got back to his feet, and roared loudly at the creature, which was now tottering about almost drunkenly, trying to balance on its remaining good legs. It puts its head down, and ran at Rook. Rook met the attack, swinging the ax around and around.

The Arachne’s charge ended almost instantly, as Rook’s ax landed square in its skull. It dropped to the sandy floor of the Pit in a shower of dust, green blood running in rivulets along the floor. Rook’s shoulders were heaving as he looked over at me.

I realized tears were running down my cheeks, and the Bond between us pulled tight. The Bond I did not feel with Keir anymore, but the bleeding Night Demon who had just saved my life.

“I’m sorry.” I shook my head. “I’m so sorry.”

Rook’s eyes moved to my right, and his face darkened. “Elara,” he said, “you need to step away.”

“Fr-from what?”

He pointed his ax. “Move away, now.”

I opened my mouth to speak, and then I heard the gurgling sound next to me. I turned slowly, my blood running cold. I came face to face with Keir, whose eyes were now black, his skin a haphazard pattern of black veins on deathly pale skin. His lips were still blanched white, but the tongue that lolled sickeningly from his mouth was black.

He stumbled towards me, gurgling and gasping. I backed away, my feet catching on my dress.

“Keir?” I asked.

He didn’t respond, he merely gurgled and moved closer, ever closer.

“Elara, get behind me,” Rook commanded. The crowd had fallen oddly silent as they watched this spectacle unfold. “Elara.” His voice became more stern.“Get behind me, right now.”

I edged towards him, keeping my eyes on the stumbling figure that looked like Keir, but wasn’t. Grief washed over me. What had they done to him?

I reached Rook’s side, and he pushed me behind him. He looked over his shoulder at me, his expression mournful. “Don’t look, princess.”

“At what?”

Keir’s gurgles had become louder, and now his hands extended out towards me as he gnashed his teeth together. My eyes moved back up to Rook’s face.

“At what?” I asked again. “You’re going to kill him, aren’t you?”

“It’s not really him,” Rook said quietly. “I’ll make it quick. Just, please don’t look.”

I nodded, then turned my back, crossing my arms over my chest as I began to shiver violently. Keir became louder, and he growled. I heard Rook’s heavy footfalls through the sand, and then Keir shrieked. A split second later, there was the sound of Rook’s ax falling and the sickening sound of wet flesh splitting open.

The crowd went wild, cheering and chanting Rook’s name. I clutched my hand to my mouth, willing myself not to throw up. Keir had been killed, all over again. They’d made him into some monster and I’d been willing to die alongside him. This was what I had been expected to endure.

Rook was at my side, and I looked up at him. “Is it done?” I whispered.

He merely nodded, then winced, clutching a hand to his stomach again.

“Oh Gods, you’re hurt.” I put my arm around his waist, and began to lead him back to the stands.

“I’m alright,” he said. “I am, really.” But even as he said it, blood gushed from the wound.

Theron rose to his feet, arms spread wide, wings spread even wider. “Our very own hero has entered the arena!” He announced, and the crowd chanted Rook’s name again.

Guards rushed forth, and yanked Rook away from me. “Come on now, Norahi,” one of them said, “let’s get you seen to.”