Lyra's POV
The word "NO" exploded through my mind as Nyx's voice screamed in protest. I pushed her aside, my disbelief crashing over me like a tidal wave. He was surrendering. Actually giving up and handing me the victory like some twisted gift. I refused to accept it.
"Stand up!" I commanded, my voice cutting through the arena's stunned silence.
"I surrender," Xander announced, his tone flat and emotionless as always.
"Get your ass up!" My voice cracked with desperation and fury.
"You're conceding?" Ash had returned to the fighting mat, his expression mirroring my own shock as he stared at Xander in complete bewilderment.
"Screw you!" I snarled, my words dripping with venom. "Stand up! Fight me, you coward!"
"No," Xander replied with that same maddening calmness. "I won't."
My head snapped toward Ash, whose face had gone pale. His eyes bounced frantically between Xander and me, then swept across the packed arena. My chest rose and fell with ragged breaths.
