Monday morning arrived with grey skies and the kind of cold that made William immediately regret getting out of bed. He dressed quickly, grabbed his gear, and headed down to the House Ascendant common room where students were already gathering for the preliminary registration.
Adrian Vex stood at the front with a clipboard, checking names as students arrived. The atmosphere was tense with nervous energy, some students looked confident, others looked like they were reconsidering their decision to compete.
"Cross," Adrian said when William reached the desk. "You're in bracket C for combat. The draw will take place in thirty minutes at the arena. Don't be late."
William nodded and moved aside to let the next student register. He found a quiet corner to wait and noticed Mira already there, looking far more relaxed than most of the other competitors.
"Morning," she said. "Ready to make me some more money?"
"Still betting on me?"
