Khan's laughter echoed across the silent courtyard, loud and booming under his mask. He crossed his arms slowly, tilting his head as he stared at Liam standing still in the middle of the arena.
"Look at this," Khan sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Why's the little mouse stepping up like a lion? Did you already forget what happened last week?"
He shook his head, chuckling again. "I crushed you, Liam. You were nothing."
The words sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd.
"Wait… what?"
"Did he just say he beat Liam?"
"Khan fought Liam last week?"
Lilith's eyes widened. She turned sharply toward Liam. Khan beat him… a week ago? She had no idea. Liam never mentioned it. Not even a hint.
Then why—why was he walking up to face Khan now?
He wasn't even speaking. Just standing there, arms at his side, unmoving. His deep blue eyes locked onto Khan, not shifting for even a second.
He didn't blink.
He didn't flinch.
Lilith furrowed her brows. What the hell was he doing?
