The closing ceremony of the Hunt should have been a celebration.
It wasn't.
The great hall beneath the central pavilion was filled with tension instead of applause.
Only the quiet murmur of families whispering behind silk masks and polished manners. Everyone present knew the truth: the Hunt had nearly ended in tragedy.
Too many participants had been pulled from the field unconscious or critically wounded. Among them: Noel Thorne.
He wasn't even in the room when the final results were announced.
"Elena von Lestaria, first place. Two hundred and ninety-seven points."
A ripple moved through the crowd. Even some of the elders looked up in surprise. It wasn't just a win. It was a record.
She stood tall near the front, arms at her sides, her expression unreadable.
The announcer continued.
"Second place: Clara De Nivaria. One hundred and twelve points."
"Third: Marcus. One hundred and nine."
There was polite clapping. Nothing more.
