The Battle of Crowns

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

Sebastian's fists collided with the heavy bag, his anger radiating through each powerful punch. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced with his every movement. Sweat dripped from his brow, his muscles straining as his body screamed in protest. His knuckles were raw, the skin split and bleeding, but he pushed through the pain. His mind, clouded with fury, replayed his last encounter with Christian repeatedly. The image of Christian's calm demeanour, his collected and composed self during their confrontation, only served to stoke the fire burning inside Sebastian.

With a final punch, Sebastian's strength gave way, and he collapsed onto the cold floor, gasping for air. His chest heaved, his muscles trembling from exertion as he lay there, staring at the ceiling. The echo of his fists pounding the bag still lingered in the room, but now, it was drowned out by the erratic beating of his own heart. The taste of iron filled his mouth as he bit down on his lip, trying to ground himself in anything other than the rage boiling inside him.The silence was shattered by the slow, deliberate sound of boots against the concrete floor. The sharp scent of cologne—a dark, spicy fragrance—mingled with the musk of sweat and blood. Sebastian didn't need to look to know who had entered the room. The heavy presence in the air told him everything.

"Everything alright, Sebastian?" Anthony's raspy voice cut through the room like a blade.Sebastian groaned, wiping the sweat from his face as he forced himself up. He glanced at Anthony, who was now crouched beside him, their faces inches apart. Anthony's red eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light, his pale skin and sharp features giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. He was muscular, his frame imposing, but it was his calm, calculated demeanor that made him most dangerous. The faint smirk playing on his lips only added to that sense of danger.

"Quite well," Sebastian muttered, his voice hoarse, still catching his breath. He wiped his bloodied knuckles, though the pain barely registered through his adrenaline."Christian again?" Anthony asked, his tone smooth, almost mocking.Sebastian smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Yeah... How'd you know?"Anthony's gaze flickered to Sebastian's bruised, bloodied hands, then back to his face. "The rage in your eyes... and these hands. They tell me everything I need to know."Sebastian chuckled darkly, though his mind was far from amused. Christian's face loomed in his thoughts, his infuriatingly calm expression still etched into his memory. That man always had the ability to remain untouchable, a quality that grated on Sebastian's nerves. He remembered every second of their last fight—how Christian had stood there, unnerved by Sebastian's anger. As if Sebastian was nothing more than a child throwing a tantrum."And what brings you here?" Sebastian finally asked, raising an eyebrow as he sat up straighter, trying to shake off his frustration.

Anthony stood up, his tall figure towering over Sebastian. He walked a few paces before turning back, the faint smirk still tugging at his lips. "A deal."Sebastian's brows furrowed. "A deal?" Suspicion curled in his gut as he leaned back, wiping the sweat from his face.

Anthony paced the room slowly, his every movement deliberate. "We are two, Sebastian, but we share one enemy—or you could call him a rebel." He stopped, turning to face Sebastian with a knowing smile. "What if we finish him off? Together."Sebastian's heart raced at the suggestion, but he didn't show it. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, keeping his expression cold. "How is he your enemy?" he asked, venom in his voice. "He became mine the moment he started outshining me. He's always been in the spotlight, always the golden boy. And me? Always in his shadow."

Sebastian's resentment boiled over as he spoke, his hands flexing unconsciously. In his mind, Christian had wronged him in ways that couldn't be forgiven. It wasn't about Christian doing anything deliberately—no, it was about how everything seemed to come so easily to him. Christian never had to fight for attention or admiration. He had it all, without even trying. Meanwhile, Sebastian felt trapped in his shadow, constantly overlooked.Anthony's smile widened as he listened. He took a step forward, his eyes gleaming. "He became my enemy because he stands in the way of everything I want. He's the one people trust, the one they look to for guidance. And that makes him dangerous. To men like you and me, Sebastian, he's a threat."

Sebastian's heart pounded in his chest as he listened to Anthony's words, though his face remained impassive. He knew better than to trust Anthony outright, but there was something seductive about what he was offering. "Leave that aside," Anthony said, waving his hand as if brushing away an inconvenient detail. "The question is, how does my deal sound? You and I, working together, can rid ourselves of Christian once and for all."

Sebastian didn't answer right away. His eyes remained fixed on Anthony's, the tension in the air thickening. His breathing had steadied, but his heart still raced with the weight of the decision before him. "Does Christian even know you consider him your enemy?"Anthony chuckled, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down Sebastian's spine. "No. I've been playing my cards close. He has no idea what's coming."

Sebastian's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "Then you're stabbing him in the back, aren't you? That's heartless, even for you."

Anthony's smirk widened. "And you're any different? Weren't you planning to take him out as well? Let's not forget, you two were inseparable once—back in elementary school. Doesn't that make you even more ruthless, Sebastian?"The mention of their past hit Sebastian like a punch to the gut. His eyes, already glowing red, darkened further as memories of their childhood friendship flashed before his eyes. Back then, Christian and Sebastian had been close—brothers in everything but blood. They had shared everything. But that was before jealousy and bitterness had crept in, before Sebastian had convinced himself that Christian was his enemy. He shoved those memories away, burying them beneath the weight of his anger.

"Don't try to provoke me," Sebastian growled, his jaw clenched. He wasn't going to let Anthony manipulate him. He knew the man too well.Anthony took another step forward, looming over Sebastian with a smile that oozed confidence. He extended his hand, his voice dripping with smooth venom. "So, what will it be, Sebastian? Do you accept my deal?"

Sebastian stared at Anthony's outstretched hand for what felt like an eternity, the decision weighing heavily on him. His heartbeat echoed in his ears as he locked eyes with Anthony, the room suffocating in its silence. There was a tension between them that seemed to freeze time, both men waiting for the other to make the next move. But Sebastian wasn't a fool. He knew that whatever decision he made, there would be consequences. He wasn't naïve enough to believe Anthony's offer was without strings. Yet, as he stared at Anthony's outstretched hand, he couldn't help but wonder: was this his only way out of the shadow Christian had cast over him?

He didn't answer, not yet. Instead, he rose to his feet, his knuckles still aching, his heart still pounding, leaving the question to hang in the heavy air between them. The room seemed darker now, the tension thicker, and in the silence, the sinister nature of the deal only grew.