Chapter 20 The Challenge

• "The air tasted of blood and destiny."
• The Festival grounds erupted in chaos the moment Gideon's challenge left his lips.
• Gasps transformed into shouts, whispered speculation tangled into roars of excitement. Students surged forward like a tide, desperate for a better view of what promised to be the most significant supernatural event in Academy history. The silver banners and paper lanterns swayed violently in the sudden rush of movement, their gentle festival glow now illuminating something far darker than celebration.