After a hearty meal and some much-needed rest, the three finally stepped out of the castle.
The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a warm afternoon glow over the courtyard. The garden surrounding the exit was bathed in soft, glowing colors—vines with bioluminescent petals curled lazily across stone railings, and flowerbeds shimmered faintly in blues, violets, and pinks. A soft breeze carried a gentle fragrance through the air, making the place feel far too peaceful… considering what awaited them next.
Zeon was the first to break the silence. He walked just ahead, arms crossed behind his back, looking smugly at the golden light filtering through the trees.
"Hmmm… Princess," he said calmly, a slight grin creeping up his lips. "Do you know where your duel takes place?"
Dila blinked, as if yanked from her thoughts.
"No," she answered plainly.
