Elara studied the board intently. She was three moves from checkmate, but Damien would see it in two. The match had stretched longer than anyone anticipated, drawing a small crowd around them.
"Your move, Elara," Damien said, his voice betraying nothing.
She reached for her queen, fingers hovering momentarily before committing. The piece clicked softly against the board.
"Check," she said quietly.
A murmur rippled through the onlookers. Damien's expression remained impassive, but his eyebrow twitched slightly – the only indication he was surprised by her move.
"Impressive," he responded, swiftly moving his king out of danger.
Elara allowed herself a small smile. "I warned you I was rusty, not incapable."
"You never cease to surprise me." His tone was neutral, but his eyes were calculating, reassessing her.
Harry leaned closer to Brandon. "I've never seen anyone hold their own against Damien like this."