Frozen Waves

The aftermath of Mercury's defeat settled heavily over the arena. Cassie and Roger were frozen in their seats, their expressions a mixture of surprise and sadness.

Roger placed a comforting hand on Cassie's shoulder as her eyes misted.

Between them, Colin sat wide-eyed, murmuring Mercury's name in shock, barely able to process what had happened.

Milo shook his head slowly, a look of utter disbelief, his small fists clenching as he struggled to hold back tears.

Around the arena, the crowd seemed to share the same stunned silence, no one quite sure how to react.

But then, almost as one, they started to clap, softly at first, then louder, until the arena erupted into a standing ovation.

Sia put one knee on the ground to catch her breath, looking out over the cheering crowd.

The public roared for her victory, but many wore expressions of sadness for Mercury's defeat.