Luna knelt beside the spring, cupping the cool water in her hands before splashing her face. She looked toward Orpheus, who stood quietly beneath the shade of a twisted tree, his crimson eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
"You've been unusually quiet," she observed.
"I'm thinking."
"Danger?"
"A possibility."
Luna smiled faintly. "That's your way of saying yes."
Orpheus finally turned toward her. His eyes were calm as usual.
"If you're entering an underground tournament, you'll be facing opponents whose identities and motives are unknown. Some will hide their true strength. Others will be hunting far more than prize money."
"I know."
"You'll be alone."
She rose to her feet, meeting his gaze without hesitation.
"I'll manage."
He remained silent for several moments before walking closer.
"Luna."
"Hm?"
"I'll be investigating something while you're inside the city. We may not see each other again until after the tournament."
She nodded.
"I figured."
