Tairin could have ended the match at any time, yet she persisted, tugging at the collar as though it would help if she could remove it.

5:04

Lexx lessened the pressure as they neared the end, blocking out the panting from the dice.

5:01

A few more minutes and…

The end.

“Shira Lexx wins this round!” The disembodied voice called the end of the match, excitement rising with each word.

Lexx withdrew his hand, and Tairin almost choked on the sudden rush of air. The dice rolled onto their sides, heaving and digging at the ground.

4:59

Over and done.

Nothing needed to be said.

Lexx turned his back on them, raising a hand to open a door back to the beach where Chel awaited. As much as he looked forward to seeing her, he dreaded it at the same time. However, he hadn’t killed Tairan.

That had to count for something.

###