The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1636

At 10:30 p.m., Arabella climbed into Horace's car. The Demon Ring was covertly built; hidden in the husk of an abandoned train station, its entrance was masqueraded by an inconspicuous billboard.

Horace flashed a QR code at the bouncer, a blonde guy with blue eyes who ushered them through the security checkpoint. No weapons were to pass this point.

They were funneled down a dimly lit corridor, flanked by guards with guns at the ready. At the end of the passage, a door opened to the main arena, where there was dripping with a hubbub of voices.

In the center of the circular spectator stands, a giant birdcage-like ring hosted a spectacle - a heavyweight fighter locked in a showdown with a ferocious beast.

"Take it down! Take it down!" The crowd was relentless in their bloodlust.

The beast, clearly hungry and with the advantage of sheer mass, lunged at the fighter, its claws carving deep red gashes across his arm. The roar it emitted was primal, signaling a predator's resolve to claim its prey.

The audience was in a frenzy, craving the raw, visceral thrill of bloodshed, which was the reason why they came.

Arabella knew of the existence of these underground fight clubs, but the savagery before her eyes was beyond anything she had imagined. To satisfy the spectators' morbid appetites, a brutal man versus beast battle was being staged.

Staircases and guarded elevators provided access to the seating areas. The elevators led to the private rooms above, reserved for the elites.

Horace presented the QR code once more, but this time, the attendant allowed only Arabella to proceed.

"Wait for me here."