Grimdor

The Duel

Delilah's POV

Slade led me into a large circular arena that looked like something straight out of Ancient Rome. The floor in the center was round and flat, surrounded by hundreds of seats that would soon be filled with eager spectators, or should I say... hungry vampires. A balcony sat on top of the seats, held up by wooden pillars, that held even more people. A beautiful archway sat at one end of the circle. It was blocked by two large doors that the fighters would exit out of and onto the floor for battle.
I took a deep breath as I tightened my grip on
Slade's hand. He squeezed back as if he was assuring me that everything will be okay.

Truth is... I'm scared. I know. I need to trust in Slade and his abilities. But, my life is on the line here... and so is Slade's safety. I don't know what his older brother is capable of. All I know is that if he's anything like Slade... I have every right to feel scared. In fact, I should be terrified.

Slade's POV

I can feel a rapid increase in Delilah's heartbeat. I just want to reassure her that everything will be okay.

I sighed and walked towards Leondro and Delano who were both waiting on the balcony.

"Welcome to my arena." Leondro smirked in confidence.

"Get to the damn point." I sneered as I heard Delilah take a deep breath.

"Okay, no need to be so feisty. Delilah will stay up here with Delano, while we duel below." Leondro said as he shifted his weight to his right leg.

"What are the rules?" I questioned.

"Whoever loses consciousness, forfeits, or dies loses. It's as simple as that." Leondro smirked.

Delilah tensed up after hearing those words, whereas I remained calm. He doesn't intimidate me at all.

"See ya below." Leondro winked as he teleported himself into the center of the flat, circular battle area.

I turned to face Delilah, releasing my grip on her delicate hand. Since she was much shorter than I was, she got on the tip of her toes and moved her body upward towards mine. She cuffed my face in her warm hands and glared into my vibrant, violet eyes. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Don't worry, I've got this. Trust me." I assured her as I looked down into her ocean blue eyes.

"Go get that Excalibur." Delilah whispered as she slicked a strand of my hair back.

I leaned in towards her and pressed my soft lips against her smooth forehead.

"I will." I whispered back, just before letting Delilah go.

Her big, blue eyes were cheerful as she watched me teleport to the bottom of the arena.

Leondro and I were standing face to face, with fire in our eyes.

It was time.

"May the best man win." Leondro smirked.

It's foolish to talk in the middle of a battle.

I teleported behind Leondro and placed him in a choke hold. I squeezed tightly, wanting him to lose consciousness quickly.

He activated his vampiric pupils and his dark energy pushed me away from him, causing me to lose my grip. I stumbled backwards just before catching myself and gripping the dusty arena floor.