A duel was about to begin.
The courtyard had fallen into a silence so taut it seemed the very air might snap.
Two figures stood at its center—Jet Ashborne, Prime Student of the Academy, and Draco, the boy who had once collapsed in disgrace but now carried himself with a quiet, searing intensity.
Dozens of students circled the edges, whispering, pointing, their excitement spilling over in hushed tones. The scent of Essence still hung heavy from earlier training, mingling with the distant aroma of roasted food from the dining hall.
Yet none moved to leave. Nobody would miss this duel.
Those who had gone to eat miraculously reappeared after hearing the news, their presence creating a small crowd that desired to spectate on this fight.
Jet's uniform rippled faintly in the breeze as he turned to face Draco fully.
His expression remained calm, though his eyes burned with the challenge thrown before him.
