His eyes implode with tangible shock. "Truly?"
"No." I whirl around, making a start towards the narrow path.
"Aurora, wait—" he appears in front of me, blocking my path, halting me by my shoulders. He smiles cheekily. "I beg of you, do not break my heart."
"I was only being as genuine as you were," I retort.
His insolent smile vanishes. His face hardens into an unyielding look.
"Have you not figured it out yet?" I ask, scorn infecting my tone. "The Imperii is founded on the principle of only one victor, one survivor. It is not about who is 'chosen' but who remains. That is the true test. The Imperii itself determines who is chosen, designed to root out the worthy. The only one left, the one that survives, is the only one that will rule."
Vince shakes his head with vigorous refute. "I do not believe that. Most of the deaths were concentrated at the Blood Games, and that has passed. Now we are being tested on different attributes, to many belong the ways of a king."
