The coliseum roared like a living beast.
Two hundred and twenty-eight participants filled the arena floor, scattered in clusters beneath the towering stone walls that curved skyward in a perfect circle. Above them, tier upon tier of seats overflowed with spectators. Nobles in embroidered silks. Merchants clutching betting slips. Soldiers off duty. Children sitting on their fathers' shoulders.
The Sword Raid always drew blood.
And people loved blood.
Suho stood among the crowd of fighters, arms loosely folded, under the mask, eyes scanning the massive structure. The glass shield separating the royal stage from the arena shimmered faintly under the sun, reinforced with protective enchantments despite the kingdom's strict anti-magic laws.
He still couldn't get used to it. The noise. The anticipation. The way thousands of people gathered to watch men tear each other apart.
