Chapter 65: AN INVITATION
The sun stood high overhead. It was the midday break, and the city buzzed with a single topic—the five semi-finalists. As all the participants and spectators were leaving the arena, they continued discussing the matches that had taken place.
The tournament arena was slowly emptying.
Nobles stepped out in flowing cloaks and ornate robes, guards trailing behind as they made their way toward luxurious carriages lined up outside. They had only one destination in mind—Arcadia’s grandest restaurants, where gold gleamed on plates and conversations carried political weight.
Meanwhile, commoners surged through the lower exits in loose groups, heading toward street-side food stalls and bustling taverns that filled the air with spice, sweat, and speculation.
Though the final match wouldn’t begin until later, the discussions had already taken over every alley, corner, and cup of ale.
Logan quietly made his way to the base of the noble balcony, where his family stood waiting. The Starwind family had left though. Alice noticed Logan first. Her face lit up with pride as she rose from her seat. Rudeous gave him a small but firm nod. Ardyn stood calmly, arms crossed, observing like a satisfied teacher. Mirena and Darius—hovering at the edge of the group—stood in silence, their faces unreadable. Kael was the same.
Rudeous gestured lightly. "Let’s go eat. The Moonvine Hall should still have space."
As they left the arena and headed toward the restaurant district, they could hear murmurs everywhere—from street stalls to velvet halls. The same five names echoed like fire through dry grass:
Morgan. Zephyr. Lilith. Rowan. Logan.
At The Creaking Keg, a packed tavern filled with sweaty backs, overflowing mugs, and wood-smoked air, the crowd was already deep into debate.
"Today’s matches? Wild! That first semifinal—Lilith, Zephyr, and Morgan? Bro, that wasn’t just a fight. That was a war squeezed into minutes."