Lucius POV
I did it! I actually did it!
The cheers of the crowd still echoed in my ears, but they felt distant, like a dream I wasn't sure I had woken from. I stood in the center of the arena, bloodied, bruised, and victorious. Veryon lay defeated, and the announcer's booming voice confirmed what my heart had barely dared to hope.
"King Lucius of Decresh is the winner of the duel!"
Relief flooded my body, a tidal wave that left me trembling as the weight of the moment settled over me. My throne was mine again.
Kael, Asher, and Ryder approached with broad grins, their steps proud yet tempered with reverence. When they reached me, they bowed low, the gesture exaggerated and playful. Kael leaned close as he straightened, his voice a conspiratorial whisper.
"I knew you'd win. You always do."
I managed a weak laugh, though my body protested even that small movement. "You didn't seem so confident earlier."