The air froze, heavy enough to smother every sound but the faint brush of wind. Kentaro's mouth opened, closed, opened again, his voice failing him. Tenka's brow furrowed tight, jaw clenched like she'd swallowed broken glass. Across from them, Shaula's smile widened, glowing with an eerie confidence that made the world feel smaller, like they had stepped into her stage.
"I…" Kentaro rasped, trying to form a thought.
But Shaula didn't wait. She twirled on one heel, her necklace swinging lazily, her voice bright and sing-song:
"In the upcoming play, I want you, and us Shaulas, to battle it out! Whoever takes the top spot between us will be the winner and claim their respective prize."
The declaration fell like thunder.
Both Tenka and Kentaro snapped out of their haze at once.
"WHAT?!"
Their voices clashed, echoing against the narrow alley walls. Kentaro's eyes blazed wide with disbelief, his throat raw as he shouted:
