The arena shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
Light poured down from the open dome and struck the polished glass barriers that encircled the battlefield. The sand below had already been raked smooth, as if it were waiting to be stained.
The nobles filled the higher tiers in embroidered silks and jeweled crowns. Merchants and foreign envoys occupied the middle rows. The lower stands trembled with common spectators eager for carnage.
Above them all, upon the elevated royal platform carved in white marble, sat the royal family.
King Yuhan leaned back in composed authority.
Queen Minah smiled with perfect gentleness.
Yuri sat upright, poised.
Yujin leaned forward, restless.
And beside them, radiant beneath the filtered sunlight, sat Princess Kang Yuna.
Calm. Untouchable. Watching.
The announcer stepped forward. Floating amplification crystals glowed as his voice magnified across the coliseum.
