The Beta's Regret (Eden and Eros) novel Chapter 236

(Eros Pov)

Everything was a little blurry.

It was like I was asleep, and I just woke up. My head banged in pain, and a groan left my lips.

I looked around. The crowd was in a shocked silence. Some of them were seated, others stood. Some had their hands up in a cheer but were stuck in that position as they stared at me in horror.

I frowned.

What happened?

I looked down at the floor to see a badly beaten Ryker on his back. His body had bruises all over and he bled.

My eyes widened. Did I do this?

I looked at my hands. They were stained with blood. I staggered backward, and looked back at the crowd with a slight spin.

I can't remember how I got to this point.

Their reactions were the same everywhere. Even the Elders were no longer seated. They were anxiously looking down at us.

I could see that Eden was not there.

The growing noise in the crowd snapped me back to reality. I realized I was still staring at the crowd, and I turned back to see how badly hurt Ryker was.

He was still. Unmoving.

Fear gripped me. Did I kill him?

I watched the referee drop to his knees and checked for his pulse. Nothing. Ryker's face had a pale look to it.

I took a deep, ragged breath, and a shocked gasp broke out of me.

What did I do to him?

I also dropped to my knees beside Ryker. I reached out nervously, trying to touch him.

I knew what this would mean. I would lose everything if Ryker died. Besides, I would never kill another unjustly, not even for the throne.

Something was wrong with me.

How could I have done this and not remembered?

I tried hard to recall, but nothing came up. One minute Ryker was in front of me; the next he was lying down on the ground.

Just as I was about to give in to the terrible outcome, Ryker woke up with a start. He took in a deep, long breath with a strangled sound, then shorter breaths as he looked around quickly. His eyes met mine, and they widened in shock.

The crowd roared in excitement. It was as if they’d been waiting to see if they should be excited at the defeat or not.

The cries of my name filled the arena, and my eyes pricked slightly as I became overwhelmed with emotions of relief and excitement.

“You are alive.” I said

It suddenly felt like a huge burden was taken off my shoulders.

“Were you trying to kill me?” Ryker snapped.

As much as his tone grated on my nerves, I was more relieved that he was alive. It was better if he was annoying rather than if he had died because of me.

“No.” I said with pursed lips. “I never intended to. I don't know what happened.”

I said softly.

Ryker huffed and looked away. I stood up and stretched my hands to him. He eyed it suspiciously before he finally took my hand and helped himself up.

I was beginning to lose the fight when a sudden whistle pulled them away from me.

I took quick breaths and gathered my strength before I stood up.

The rogues were all over the arena, keeping the people hostage. There were way too many, and considering the ones that attacked me, they had a brutal strength.

Across the arena, three hooded figures approached the Elders and me.

They came to a stop before us and pulled back their hoods one by one.

I gasped in surprise.

Pison, Alice and Arthur.

I frowned...

Arthur?

My gaze was fixed on him. He looked away.

There was a still silence that Ryker broke suddenly. “Who are you?”

I was surprised to see Ryker sitting up.

Pison looked away from me and snorted. He looked down at Ryker and rolled his eyes. “The concubine's son… I see… I am Pison, the rightful hybrid king, and you both are contesting for what is mine!” He paused before snarling “Submit easily to me, and I will let you both live.”

A long silence stretched between us. I stepped forward, about to speak when Ryker interrupted again with a cynical laugh.

“What king?” He scoffed and struggled to stand with a loud groan. Ryker came to stand behind me, his head raised as he stared Pison straight in the eyes

“Eros, my brother… is the only rightful king as ordained by the moon goddess. And no one can change that...” he chuckle. “Believe me, I've tried.”