[ Cold eyes meet in battle's night ]

Ashen stood before his book, his fingers hovering over the runic words faintly illuminated by candlelight. Every detail of the text seemed to call and challenge him, while inside, insecurity and anxiety fought for control. His breath was quick and shallow, as if something invisible was waiting to engulf him.

"I... I'm not sure if I'm ready, Aurela," he whispered, unable to hide the fear trembling in his voice.

Aurela approached silently, like a shadow, and gently squeezed his shoulder, her touch full of steadiness and confidence.

"Don't think about how it will end," she said calmly, as if speaking about something already known. "Think about how you want it to begin."

After a moment, Ashen looked at her and smiled faintly; the light in his eyes shone briefly. Such moments of certainty were rare for him, and almost always he felt it only when she was by his side.

Without another word, the two began descending the staircase, which spiraled slowly around the tower's core, a sense of weight and silence accompanying each step. The stone floor echoed beneath their feet as voices and footsteps grew closer.

When they reached the antechamber, three others were already waiting. A boy with lowered eyes, nervous, clutching his hands tightly as if trying to hold something inside. Next to him, a girl with a calm face, almost invisible in the surroundings, but with an inner strength radiating from her gaze. And in front of them, Calyra.

Calyra turned first toward them, arms crossed over her chest, tilting her head with a sardonic smile that held both humor and a hint of disdain.

"The protagonists have arrived," she said in that familiar tone, one that you could never tell if it was mockery or admiration.

Aurela stepped forward without losing her composure and lightly touched Calyra's back—a gesture mixing teasing and challenge.

"Don't worry, I won't let you get bored," she said with a smile that revealed her confidence.

Calyra's smile froze for a moment, but quickly turned into a fake laugh, half-hidden behind her cold mask.

"We'll see who will need cover when the real game begins," she replied with an expression secretly hiding jealousy and provocation.

A loud drumbeat sounded from the upper galleries, breaking the silence and giving the signal. Gates opened, and the arena beckoned them; the sand already seemed to await their steps, ready to witness a battle destined to be etched in history.

The tension in the atmosphere was almost electric. The five stood side by side, a strange sense of camaraderie mingled with an invisible rivalry keeping them alert.

Ashen looked at Aurela and the others, a faint smile forming on his lips. He knew this fight would not be just a contest. It would be something more a test of soul and strength.

And as they stepped into the arena, the silence shattered by the pounding of their hearts.