Ryan's throat tightened. "They'll be here."
"Dawn will be here momentarily," Vera said. Her tone wasn't rude, but it was serious. "If your sixth doesn't arrive by first light, you forfeit."
Ryan looked to the east. No sunrise yet—but close.
Where are they?
James stepped closer. "Ryan—"
"They'll be here," Ryan said. He had to believe it. Ryan looked down at the gemstone in his hand.
They have to come...
A sudden burst of flame caught his eye.
Academy staff, mostly groundskeepers but also instructors—were at the edges of the arena where large stone goblets sat atop short pillars, each one positioned inbetween every single one of the twelve statues.
One by one, the staff poured black tar into the goblets and then lit them with magic.
The flames leapt to life despite the rain. Each goblet had a small stone overhang—it was just enough to shield the fire from being snuffed out while still letting light spill across the arena floor.
