The Arena

The arena stretched before us, a grand stage where the fate and honor of mages clashed. Its resemblance to the Divine Throne was striking, but there were subtle differences that set it apart. Unlike the Divine Throne, where exhibitions took precedence and seats stretched infinitely, this arena at Western University was a battleground used every day. Thousands of seats still encircled the arena, but the observation room had been sacrificed for a broader battlefield. Illusory screens projected matches before the seats, with significant battles like ours broadcast throughout the campus.

"Getting cold feet?" Fyren's voice cut through my nerves, his teasing tone attempting to dispel my unease.

I absently curled a strand of hair around my finger, a nervous habit second only to stroking my horns. "It's just… I didn't expect so many people."