The radiant beam of light expanded from Ethan's chest, casting long shadows across the sandy arena floor. The giant white lion froze mid-air, landing heavily on its front paws just inches away from Ethan's boots.
Ethan: What... what is happening?
King Cassian: What black magic is this?! Guards, protect the balcony!
Royal Guard: Your Majesty, look at the beast! It's not attacking!
The giant white lion lowered its head, letting out a soft, submissive rumble instead of a vicious roar. The deadly beast slowly lay down in the sand, resting its heavy head against Ethan's boots like a loyal companion.
Ethan: You... you're not going to hurt me?
King Cassian: Impossible! That beast has slaughtered every warrior who ever stepped into the arena! How are you controlling it?!
Ethan: I'm not doing anything! It's this pendant... it started glowing on its own!
King Cassian: Bring that boy to me at once! Strip him of that trinket!
Four heavy-armored royal guards rushed down the stone steps into the arena, swords drawn and shields raised. But as soon as they approached Ethan, the white lion let out a ferocious growl, standing tall and shielding the young man with its body.
Royal Guard: Fall back! The beast will tear us apart if we step any closer!
King Cassian: Fools! He is a single unarmored peasant! Command the lion to step aside!
Ethan: I don't know how to command it! I don't even know what this medallion is!
King Cassian: Lie to me again and I will have the archers fill you with arrows! That medallion bears the seal of the Supreme Dynasty—the royal family that vanished fifty years ago!
Ethan's heart raced as he lifted the heavy gold pendant in his trembling palm. The detailed carving showed a lion crowned with seven stars, surrounded by ancient symbols he could never decipher before.
Ethan: My grandfather gave this to me before he died in California. He told me it was a family heirloom, nothing more!
King Cassian: Your grandfather was an exile! A traitor who fled with the crown jewels of the realm!
Ethan: He was a good man! He raised me on a small farm, working every single day just to buy food!
King Cassian: He was the lost Prince Marcus! And if you carry his blood, then you are the true heir to this throne...
A collective gasp rippled through the massive crowd seated in the stadium. Thousands of citizens leaned forward, whispering in hushed, nervous tones as they stared down at the young American standing in the center of the sand.
Ethan: An heir? You're crazy. I'm just a guy who got lost while hiking near the old ruins!
King Cassian: The sacred lion obeys only the bloodline of the true High King. For twenty years I have sat on this throne, but the beast refused my touch. Today, it kneels before a boy in rags.
Ethan: If I am who you say I am... then you have no right to hold me here or execute me!
King Cassian: Rights are determined by power, boy. And as long as I hold the crown, you will not leave this arena alive!
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