Chaos broke out.
The quiet crowd suddenly screamed in panic. People were screaming, pointing at the smoking hole in the arena floor. Academy guards flooded the stage, their weapons drawn, forming a protective circle around Jonah and the unconscious form of Draven. Medics rushed forward, their hands glowing with healing energy as they carefully lifted Draven onto a floating stretcher.
Jonah pushed himself to his feet, his mind suddenly clear but filled with anger. He ignored the guards, the medics. His eyes were locked on the source of the attack. It was a clear assassination attempt.
"LOCK DOWN THE ARENA!" the Headmaster's voice boomed, magically amplified, cutting through the panic. "NO ONE LEAVES! INITIATE SECURITY PROTOCOL ALPHA!"
Heavy metal gates slammed down over the exits trapping everyone inside. The festive tournament had become a crime scene.
