Round Two begins

The tournament grounds were a frenzy of sound and motion. Magic crackled in the air like lightning before a storm, and the scent of sweat, dust, and adrenaline hit Eires the moment she materialized in the center of the arena. The stands roared with anticipation—creatures of every realm pressed forward, their eyes shining with hunger for spectacle.

Eires barely had time to orient herself when a sharp chime rang out, followed by the voice of the arbiter, magically amplified and echoing across the field.

“Competitors, prepare for the second trial: The Labyrinth of Echoes. You are to stand in your designated quadrants.”

Something shifted to her right. Two familiar shapes turned sharply toward her—Thea and Rhydian, already standing in formation. Thea jumped slightly.

“Gods, Eires!” she snapped. “You can’t just appear like that!”

“Where were you?” Rhydian asked, his tone clipped.

“Didn't mean to scare you guys,” Eires replied. “Had something to take care of. Sorry I’m late.”