The Challenge of Kings

The sun had barely climbed high enough to cast its full warmth across the Blackwood estate, yet Kyra was already pacing the corridors, the hem of her cream linen dress fluttering with each brisk step.

The halls were quiet, the staff moving like shadows, and the atmosphere in the mansion felt heavier than usual, as though something important loomed just beyond the walls.

“Kaelyn?” Kyra called, checking the bedroom once more.

The bed was still made, untouched since early morning. Her brow creased.

Kaelyn had been right beside her not long ago. She hadn’t said anything about going anywhere. So where was she?

Kyra’s ears twitched at the sudden roar of voices from outside—loud cheers and battle cries that didn’t belong to morning drills.

Her heart skipped. That wasn’t training. Something else was happening.

She dashed toward the window and peeled back the curtain. Guards lined the courtyard, shouting, clapping, and stomping the ground.

A crowd had gathered in a rough circle, th