The arena ground was burning hot, the dry sand scorching through Caleb’s thin shoes as hundreds of shouting spectators leaned over the stone ledges. High above the crowd, King Aurelius looked down from his gilded balcony with cold eyes, his heavy robe folded across his arms.

King Aurelius: OPEN THE LION'S GATE!

The iron portcullis rose with a harsh scraping sound, sending a cloud of grey dust into the bright sun. Inside the dark shadow of the archway, a massive white lion moved toward the sunlight, its heavy paws thudding against the ground. The arena went completely silent as the beast focused its gaze on Caleb, its throat vibrating with a low growl.

Caleb: I am not afraid of you.

King Aurelius: You will bow before the crown, boy, one way or another!

Caleb: My father never bowed, and neither will I!

The giant lion suddenly charged across the open sand, its paws kicking up dust behind it as it closed the distance in seconds. Caleb reached beneath his torn shirt, fingers locking around the ancient lion-head pendant hanging from his neck. As the beast leaped into the air toward him, Caleb held the pendant outward into the sunlight.