The King Sentenced Me to Death, But the Beast Revealed My Secret Identity

The Stolen Glory

The colosseum erupted into a frenzy of whispers and shocked murmurs. For a year, the kingdom had worshiped King Robert and High Cleric Thomas as the legendary heroes who had slain the Shadow Dragon and saved the realm. But the truth was far darker. Leo was the true champion, a humble blacksmith's son who had fought the beast in the whispering mountains, surviving only because of his bravery and the deep wound carved into his arm. To protect their lie and secure their absolute rule, the King and the Cleric had locked Leo in a dungeon, framing him for treason.

Now, the ancient guardian of the dragon—the black lion—had recognized the scent of the true savior. High Cleric Thomas stood up, his face contorted with panic as he gripped his golden staff. "Do not listen to this peasant's lies!" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "This boy is a sorcerer! He has cast a dark spell upon the beast! Guards, execute him immediately!"

Dozens of royal guards drew their steel swords and rushed down the steps into the arena. But the black lion stood protectively over Leo, baring its razor-sharp fangs and letting out a thunderous roar that made the soldiers hesitate. The crowd, sensing the betrayal, began to shout in anger, throwing stones and debris at the royal box.

"The King is a coward! Leo is our true savior!"

Toby’s voice rallied the crowd, and soon thousands were chanting Leo’s name. Desperate and seeing his empire crumble, King Robert grabbed a heavy crossbow from a nearby guard. He aimed it directly at Leo, his eyes wild with madness. "If I cannot have your silence in the dungeon, I will have it in the grave!" he screamed, pulling the trigger. The heavy bolt hissed through the air, but the loyal lion leaped forward, taking the blow in its shoulder and collapsing to the ground with a painful whimper.