Blessed by Shadows

Heracle remained on his knees, his chest heaving as he clutched it with one hand. His face was pale, beads of sweat glistening on his brow. He muttered my words under his breath, his voice trembling with disbelief. 

"Blessed by shadows...?" 

His gaze lifted to meet mine, and I could see the mixture of fear and awe in his eyes. He wasn't sure what had just happened, but he knew he had been utterly overpowered. 

Gram, who had been leaning arrogantly against the wall earlier, now wore an expression of utter panic. His jaw hung open, his smirk demeanor replaced by something far more satisfying—desperation. 

"H-How...?" he stammered, taking a step back. "How can Heracle lose to him? This is impossible!" 

Nebula, standing confidently beside me, chuckled softly. Her laughter, sharp and mocking, filled the air. "What's the matter, Gram? Cat got your tongue? Or is it fear choking you?"