All Chapters of Bonds By Blades : Chapter 51 - Chapter 52

The arena still smelled like blood.It clung to the stone walls, soaked into the sand, and lingered in the air like a ghost that refused to leave. Even hours after the match ended, the echoes of steel clashing and men screaming still haunted the space.Kael stood alone at the center.His knuckles were bruised. His ribs ached with every breath. The thin line of dried blood at his temple itched, but he didn’t move to wipe it away.Pain grounded him.Pain reminded him he was still alive.And survival, in this place, was never guaranteed.“You fought well.”The voice came from behind him—smooth, measured, dangerous.Kael didn’t turn immediately. He already knew who it was.Riven.“I didn’t fight for your approval,” Kael said, his voice low.A soft chuckle echoed across the empty arena.“No,” Riven replied, stepping closer, boots crunching against the sand. “You fought because you had no choice.”That, Kael didn’t deny.He finally turned.Riven looked untouched, as always. Dark coat draped