The sun dipped gently toward the horizon, casting a soft amber glow across the festival grounds. The bustling noise that had filled the area all morning now slowly mellowed into a quieter rhythm — the kind that settled into the bones once fatigue started creeping in. Students folded up decorative fabrics, instructors checked off lists, and supervising guardians walked the perimeter with a practiced eye.
Leon had been on his feet since dawn. His shoulders carried the weight of responsibility easily — he always had — but today was different. Today came with the added weight of guilt, restraint, and the knowledge that eyes hovered on him more than usual. Being a Lycan prince meant eyes were always on him, but being a Lycan prince under punishment? That drew a different type of attention. One he had no patience for.
Still, he did the work. Quietly and Precisely Without complaint.
