With a groan, the metal door of her cell creaked open, sunlight pouring in to fill the confined space. Shielding her eyes against the worst of the glare, Ashleigh gripped her spear and stood, striding confidently out into the arena as a wall of sound from the scream of the audience hit her senses. She could see the Emperor watching from his box, knowing that he would want a real spectacle to entertain him. Hearing other doors opening around her, Ashleigh fell into a defensive crouch, ready to fight anyone who emerged into the arena with her.