The sun was already beginning to set when Ian and Arlen arrived at the academy's training grounds. Word had spread faster than fire in a dry field...the new student was about to duel Eve. By the time they stepped onto the open yard, a crowd had already gathered, forming a loose ring around the stone dueling platform.
The air was thick with excitement and chatter. Students were standing on benches, some climbing onto fences just to get a better view. A few of the older apprentices had even brought refreshments, clearly treating it like an event not to be missed.
Eve was already there. She stood at the center of the platform, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips. The evening light caught her auburn hair, turning it almost molten as the wind swept it gently to the side. She looked confident...too confident, Ian thought.
