The moment the word Chosen left the masked man's lips, the temperature in the chamber seemed to drop. The faint glow of the runes painted the catacomb walls in shades of crimson, like veins of living fire running through the stone.
Rondan shifted his stance, every muscle coiled. "I don't know who you are, but I'm not here to join anything."
A low chuckle echoed from the cloaked figures. The leader took a slow step forward, his boots crunching against ancient bones scattered across the floor.
"It is not a matter of choice," he said. "It is fate."
Leina's hand brushed the hilt of the dagger at her belt. "We're leaving."
The masked man tilted his head, as if studying her. "The Whisperer's child… I should have known you would meddle."
Rondan didn't have time to ask what that meant. Another figure moved from the shadows, too fast to track—steel flashed in the lantern light. Instinct took over. Rondan twisted aside, feeling the rush of air where the blade would have cut him.
The fight exploded in an instant. Chains rattled as Rondan caught one of the attackers by the wrist, driving a knee into his gut. Leina moved like water beside him, her dagger striking between the gaps of black armor.
But for every one they knocked down, two more emerged from the dark. The chamber seemed endless, its walls breathing shadows.
One of the masked men raised his hand, and the rune upon it flared brighter. A ripple of unseen force swept through the air, knocking Rondan back into the mural with bone-jarring force. He gasped, tasting blood.
"You are not ready," the leader said, voice low and dangerous. "But the time will come… and when it does, you will kneel."
Leina grabbed Rondan's arm. "Move!"
They sprinted toward a narrow passage, the sound of pursuit close behind. The tunnel twisted and turned, ancient stone giving way to a steep stairwell. Lantern light flickered wildly as they descended.
The footsteps above slowed, then stopped entirely. A heavy stone door slammed shut somewhere far behind them.
Breathing hard, Rondan leaned against the wall. "What was that? Who are they?"
Leina looked at him, her silver eyes sharp. "The reason this tournament exists. And if we're not careful… the reason it will end the world."