I pressed my lips against her neck. My hands grabbed the railing at either side of her, locking her against my body. No escape.

“No one saved him,” I said.

This made her jerk. “Can they?”

“Yes.” I nodded. I couldn’t resist a lick across her pulse. I heard her gasp. It wasn’t loud but subtle, and I heard it.

“They had a chance to save that guy and they chose to let him die?”

“Yes.”

“And they all know they can save him?”

“Yes. It’s why I’m telling you now.” I kissed her neck, and she moaned. “They would rather pay to see a man die than allow him to live.”

“I’m not like that.”

“You’re not?” I asked.

Another fighter was already making their way out. The previous winner looked exhausted. He had one chance. Double his chances of winning, or bow out, winning more than any job would give him.

I watched him, seeing the man who came out. Both were hard, muscular men. The one coming toward the ring had a certain walk to him. His confidence spoke volumes. The man in the ring held an air of desperation. He was here out of need to make quick cash, whereas the man who now entered the ring was in no rush, had no fear, no panic. It had been a long time since I saw such a man so calm.

This was going to be brutal.

I placed my hand on Aurora’s stomach. Her entire body shook as the first punch landed, and my assessment was clear.

The crowd started out silent, not sure which way to vote, or who to want to win. The previous winner had them all up his ass just moments ago, but now, they saw a different winner. Their cheering for the other ceased, the brutal newcomer earning their praise.

I was right, like always.

The new guy attacked, but he didn’t do it for the crowd. The moment the first punch came, they unlocked a beast.

Seconds passed, and the other guy bled from his nose, lip, eye, and some from his ear.

“Kill him. Kill him. Kill him.”

The chants came thick and fast.

Aurora continued to shake.

The new one shoved the guy down onto the ground and punched him in the head. He didn’t get up, but he was still alive, still breathing.

I watched as the one now looking like the victor stared around the room, building up the courage.

They all screamed for blood and death.

Aurora tensed up. “Mercy!”

Her shout was loud, clear, and the entire basement fell silent.

No one ever screamed for mercy.

I wasn’t sure if Aurora would.

She was different, I knew that, and this was a test to see just how much she was.

“Mercy! Do not kill him. He was a champion. He doesn’t deserve death.”

By the rules of the game, the fight should end, and he would become champion. Disappointment rang out around the room, and I watched as he disobeyed the rules of my fucking game.