Chapter 37: FALL OF A PRODIGY
The late afternoon sun cast golden rays across the arena, but the warmth in the sky couldn’t reach the tension blooming in the Smith family balcony.
Alice’s fingers clenched the railing, knuckles pale.
"Will he be alright?" she whispered. Her eyes followed the gates across the field, searching for a glimpse of her son.
"He’ll be fine," Rudeous said quietly, though his voice lacked conviction. "He always is."
Even he couldn’t hide the tightness in his jaw. Darius had already fallen. If Logan lost as well, House Smith would be remembered not for its heirs—but for its failures.
Mirena stood slightly behind them, lips pursed in silent thought. Let the boy fall, she mused. One more defeat, and Darius’s path will be clear again. Prestige is a fragile thing... and easily redirected.
The gallery stirred the moment the match was announced.
"Oh-ho! The boy wonder returns!" Rovan Yale leaned forward with a grin. "Let’s see what he’s really made of. I couldn’t enjoy his match in the first round. He better not ruin my expectations."
Marquess Yale chuckled. "He was a surprise, I admit. But Wynn isn’t just some academy brat. She’s got poise. Discipline."
Alek Albrecht crossed his arms, stone-faced. "Smith’s boy... he’s not ordinary for sure. Watch closely." He told the nobles beside him
From another corner of the balcony, Noah Starwind murmured, "I am curious to know more about him. Though he is the same age as Lilith, his movements... those confident eyes... strong yet curious expression... all indicate he’s definitely hiding a lot."