Page 774 of Fated Mates of Breeder Prison

I steadied my breath, trying to center myself, drawing upon every reserve of strength I had left.

The sensation of my sore muscles and the dulled pain began to fade as I tapped into the adrenaline reserves, preparing to face Fleth.

Suddenly, a shrill voice echoed through the pit’s sound system:

“Ladies, Gentlemen, and esteemed species of all kinds! There has been a change in the line-up! Due to unforeseen circumstances, Fleth is unable to compete.”

My heart sank; the brief moment of relief and anticipation I’d allowed myself now shattered.

I scanned the pit, trying to discern if this was some cruel joke.

The announcement continued:

“Fear not! We have found a replacement that promises an even more thrilling match! Please welcome… Chius!”

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

The murmur of the crowd intensified, a mix of surprise, excitement, and awe.

The feeling of the gritty sand beneath my boots grounded me for a moment.

As I blinked away the perspiration from my eyes, I could see the shadow of my new opponent making his entrance.

Chius, a behemoth of an opponent with a notorious reputation.

Notoriously fast for his size, notoriously cunning, and notoriously undefeated.

His scales shimmered under the pit lights, reflecting a mosaic of colors.

His eyes, sharp and predatory, locked onto mine, sending a silent message of impending doom.

The intoxicating smell of the pit grew stronger.

My fingers, which once clutched the blanket with confidence, now felt sweaty and uncertain.

A buzzing sensation, like a horde of tiny insects, seemed to crawl under my skin, making every nerve tingle with a mix of fear and anticipation.

Around me, the atmosphere changed.

The crowd’s roars became more eager, sensing the change in tide and anticipating a clash of titans.

Whispers filled the air, bets being placed, the odds shifting.

I took a deep, shuddering breath, attempting to calm my racing heart.

Though Chius was a formidable opponent, perhaps the most formidable I’d ever faced, I couldn’t afford to lose.

Not when so much was at stake.

Drawing upon every ounce of determination I had left, I assumed my fighting stance, ready to face Chius.

Deep down, as I recalled the many legends and tales of his prowess, a gnawing doubt took root.

12

GRACE

The clamor of the crowd grew to a deafening crescendo.

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