Hadrian's breath was ragged as he stood, the chains gone but the weight of defeat still heavy on his shoulders.
The battlefield was quiet except for the sounds of metal clanking and a faint wind brushing against the scorched ground.
Victor rubbed his wrists where the chains had been.
His eyes burned with fury as he glared at Lucius.
"You think you've won," he spat. "But this isn't over!"
Cassius stayed silent, his drones hovering close.
Sylvia's shields flickered as she steadied herself, eyes narrowed at Lucius.
Lucius smirked, his silver hair catching the light.
He crossed his arms, his grin cold.
"You're free to go," he said. "Consider this my gift to you."
Hadrian's eyes narrowed, his claws flexing. "You'll regret this," he growled.
Lucius's smirk grew wider.
"Oh, I'm sure," he said. He turned, his eyes sharp.
"But I think you need a little more motivation."
Victor's claws dug into the ground.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he snapped.
