Roman's fists clenched so tight that his knuckles whitened. His eyes blazed as he looked at Magnus.
"If you're not careful," Magnus continued, stepping further into the room, "you won't just be miserable over your wife. You'll be far worse off. Banned from the only thing you've ever known."
Roman's jaw locked. He opened his mouth to fire back, but Magnus didn't give him the chance.
"All eyes are on you," he went on, his voice even, controlled. "And you know exactly what that means." He paused, letting the weight of it settle. "Talent isn't enough anymore. You need to prove you deserve to be here. Because if it comes down to it," his gaze sharpened slightly, "I will choose my arena."
He paused for a beat. "I can always find another captain."
Roman's eyes flashed. "You can never have another son," he cut in, his voice low but firm.
