Aiden Knight's POV
The ancient stone beneath my feet felt solid. Reassuring. Like standing on the foundation of something that had endured for centuries and would continue long after today's violence ended.
Miles Graves cracked his knuckles as he approached the center of the fighting pit. His face carried the expression of a man who'd been dreaming of this moment for weeks.
"Any last words, Knight?" he asked, loud enough for the crowd to hear.
"Just one," I replied calmly. "Regret."
His eyes narrowed. "What?"
"You're going to regret challenging me."
The crowd stirred at my words. Some laughed. Others shook their heads in disbelief. The arrogant young fool still didn't understand what he was facing.
Jason Yates moved to flank me on the left. His footwork was precise, professional. A man who'd spent decades perfecting his craft.
"Your confidence is admirable," he said conversationally. "Misguided, but admirable."
"Is it?"
