The showman stepped forward, his presence commanding attention as he raised a hand. His embroidered coat shimmered in the stadium's artificial lights, lending an air of regal authority. "Katherine Everhart," he boomed, his deep voice carrying effortlessly across the arena, "has chosen the golden goblet!"
A hush fell over the crowd as he grasped the goblets, his gloved hand lingering over each one with deliberate care. His intense gaze, glittering with both curiosity and foreboding, pierced through the tension hanging in the air.
The showman peered inside the first goblet. "Freya Silvercrest," he announced, his tone tinged with excitement, "will battle a...vampire!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices surging in a wave of enthusiasm. Several spectators jumped to their feet, clapping and shouting as Freya gave them a devilish smirk. Her ruby eyes sparkled with amusement as she flipped her hair over one shoulder.