The morning sun had barely crested over the marble spires of Graena City when Orion stepped out of the hotel's front entrance.
The streets were already alive—vendors calling, birds chirping, tournament banners fluttering high above. A distant energy pulsed in the air.
But Orion's steps were slow, deliberate. The world felt… quieter after yesterday.
And there she was.
Fiona stood at the base of the stairs, arms crossed, one boot braced on the stone railing, waiting like she'd been there a while.
She didn't wave. Just looked at him.
"Morning," she said.
Orion stopped beside her, eyes squinting against the light. "You're early."
"I figured you'd try to sneak in late, again.
He smiled. "You don't have to be concerned about that."
Fiona didn't smile. She studied him a little longer, her brows lowering just slightly. "If Princess Leah didn't put another twist, we will fight today, Orion."
"I know."
