Not Responding

The arena fell so silent that even the wind could be heard as the Faeries stood frozen in various stages of shock. It was unbelievable. No, this must be a fragment of their imagination. Yet, Aldric, who was being suppressed by Valerie's flames, yelled once again. 

"I surrender! So stop already!"

And that was it. They had heard it right. Aldric was really surrendering to Valerie. It was hard to believe. No one would ever think Aldric would give up. After all, this was the dark Fae prince they were talking about. Everyone knew Aldric would rather die than lose to his long-time rival, Valerie.

As soon as the effect of the shock wore off, there was an uproar in the crowd, and the anger was directed at Aldric. Faeries were powerful creatures who valued strength above all else. They would have preferred Aldric to die and have his legacy live on as the fearsome dark Fae prince rather than continue as a coward.