The roar of the students rolled across the dome like a rising tide as Evelyn stepped onto the fractured stone stage. The dust from Lucian and Silas' battle still drifted faintly in the golden morning light, catching in her red hair as she walked forward.
She stopped three meters from Lucian. He stood relaxed, one hand tucked in his coat pocket, the other hanging loosely by his side, his eyes half-lidded and calm. But there was something sharp behind his gaze today—like a blade just barely hidden in silk.
Athena raised her hand, her violet eyes flicking between them.
"Final quarterfinal match. Lucian Black versus Evelyn Merrin."
A hush fell over the entire arena. Even the breeze seemed to pause, the rising sun turning the cracked stage into a glowing platform that felt almost unreal under the silent sky.
"Begin."
The gong echoed.
