THREE-WAY RACE (2)

[Pinnacle Academy, Stadium 1 - Arena A: Main Food Court: Bennelong]

tap...tap...tap...

Camila tapped her foot against the polished marble floor.

"What's taking her so long?" she muttered, a worried knot forming in her stomach.

"Jan wouldn't say no, would he?"

Had she been too blunt? A celebratory dinner might have felt insensitive after his loss.

She felt guilty thinking about her selfish actions.

Maybe Valencia was desperately trying to convince him to come…

"Perhaps she's lost?"

Lyra's voice swayed slightly, breaking the tense silence. "We should check—"

"No." Camila clenched her jaw. "Let's find our seats first."

She needed a moment to collect herself and strategize another approach if Jan had refused.

THRUM...THRUM...THRUM...

Just then, a tremor pulsed through the food court.

"...!"