Where the sleek, avian profile should have been, there was an unnatural depression—a perfectly round dent that caved inward like a metal bowl struck by a hammer.
"Flecko... what happened to your—"
Flecko flinched away from his touch.
"Master, please... I tried to warn you."
A cold dread settled in Marcel's stomach as he turned his gaze toward the direction Julian had been thrown. The forest was eerily silent now, the aftermath of Flecko's attack having scattered the wildlife.
The trench carved by Julian's body extended far into the trees, disappearing into the shadowed undergrowth.
…
…
…
"UNBELIEVABLE!" The announcers amplified voice boomed across the arena.
"The first-year duo has overcome the second-year powerhouses! This is unprecedented in the history of the Capture the Flag tradition!"
Students leapt from their seats, their faces flushed with excitement as they pointed at the screens.
