The grand colosseum of Emberheart was a sea of shifting colours and deafening noise. Tens of thousands of spectators packed the tiered stone benches rising towards the sky. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats, sweet wines, and volatile magical energy.
Golden imperial banners fluttered along the outer walls, their embroidered phoenix symbols catching the morning light. On the high royal dais, the royal siblings sat with visible poise. Prince Renard was laughing with a group of noble ministers, his red hair gleaming.
Beside him, Princess Aria sat with her golden fan resting against her chin. Her yellow eyes scanned the arena below with quiet and analytical precision. Her gaze occasionally drifted toward the southern platform, searching for a familiar figure.
