The King Sentenced Me to the Beasts but My Secret Scar Saved My Life — Part 2

Previously: When Leo was thrown into the grand colosseum to face a ferocious black lion, he expected death. Instead, a hidden scar on his arm revealed a legendary truth that shocked the entire kingdom.

The Standoff in the Arena

The collective whispers of the crowd quickly grew into a deafening roar of confusion and outrage. King Robert, realizing his carefully constructed web of lies was collapsing before his eyes, stood up and gripped the stone railing of the balcony. His face was twisted with fury. He could not allow the truth of who actually saved the kingdom to get out.

"Silence!" the King bellowed, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "The beast is possessed by dark magic! Guards, enter the arena and execute the peasant and the lion immediately!"

A dozen heavily armed royal guards drew their steel swords and rushed down the steps, marching onto the sandy floor. But the black lion, sensing the threat, stood protectively over Leo. It bared its razor-sharp fangs and let out a ferocious roar that made the advancing soldiers hesitate. Leo struggled to his feet, holding onto the lion's thick mane, realizing the beast was now his only ally.

Before the guards could strike, Toby and several brave young spectators leaped over the stone barricades into the pit. They drew their own iron daggers, forming a protective wall around Leo and the lion. The crowd in the stands began to shout in protest against the king, and the colosseum teetered on the very edge of a violent rebellion.

Sensing the danger of an immediate uprising, High Cleric Thomas stepped forward, raising his holy staff. He knew they needed a way to kill Leo that looked like the judgment of the gods.

"People of Eldoria!" Thomas announced. "If this boy is indeed the legendary warrior, let him prove it through the Trial of Divine Fire! If he is innocent, the sacred flames will not harm him!"

It was a death sentence. The ceremonial altar was quickly wheeled into the center of the arena, its stone basin filled with highly flammable oils. The guards seized Leo, tearing him away from the lion, and dragged him toward the rising, roaring flames. King Robert watched with a cold, triumphant sneer, knowing no mortal could survive the trap.