Julian: Father, stop this right now! The beast is charging! He is just a four-year-old child!
Eldridge: Stay back, Julian. You know the ancient terms of the trust fund. Only the true heir can walk the sand unharmed.
Julian: You organized this cruel spectacle just to secure the inheritance for yourself! You knew a toddler could not survive!
Eldridge: If his blood is pure, the beast will recognize him. If not, the law cannot hold us responsible for an tragic accident.
The massive lion’s heavy paws pounded against the arena floor, sending sharp vibrations through the limestone walls. High up in the front row of the private balcony, wealthy investors and distant relatives clutched their drinks, holding their breath in absolute shock.
Clara: Eldridge, this is madness! Call off the guards! Pull the boy out of the pit before it is too late!
Eldridge: Silence, Clara! You have no say in the royal estate's traditions. The child was brought here to prove his claim.
Clara: He is a baby! His mother died in poverty only three weeks ago! How could you bring her son to a lion's den?
Julian: Look! The lion is accelerating! It's less than twenty feet away from him!
Toby stood completely motionless in the center of the pit. The hot desert wind whipped his messy blonde hair across his forehead, revealing a dust-streaked face covered in natural freckles. He did not cry out for help. He did not scream for his mother. Instead, his tiny fingers wrapped tightly around the cold metallic edges of the lion necklace hidden under his tunic.
Toby: Mama told me to be brave. She said the big cat is just a guardian.
Eldridge: He is delusional. The wild animal has not been fed since yesterday afternoon.
Julian: You starved the creature on purpose? You monster!
Eldridge: I did what was necessary to protect our family’s vast wealth and real estate holdings. I will not let a street orphan take our billion-dollar empire!
Clara: He is not a street orphan! He is my brother's biological son! The legal DNA tests proved it yesterday!
Eldridge: A paper test means nothing in this arena. The bloodline must be proven by the ancient trial of the seal!
The white lion lunged, its massive body flying through the hot afternoon air. Its sharp claws were extended, its white fangs glistening in the sunlight as a fierce roar reverberated through the iron bars of the viewing balconies. Women screamed, and several men stood up in panic, preparing for the horrific impact.
Toby: Stop, soft kitty. Please stop.
Toby pulled the golden necklace out from under his shirt, holding the heavy medallion high above his small head. The bright sunlight hit the center jewel, sending a blinding flash of golden light bouncing straight into the lion's eyes.
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