Snow crunched softly beneath Jayden's boots as he materialized into the arena. A vast expanse of white stretched around him, cold air biting at his skin.
Seated calmly on the snow was Ava, dressed casually, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders. She looked up, caught sight of him, and waved with a smile.
Jayden approached, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "You really have a thing for picking freezing arenas, huh?"
Ava shrugged, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I find snow comforting."
Jayden stopped a few paces from her. He didn't sit. His posture was easy, but there was tension beneath… his instincts telling him to be on guard. "So," he said, eyes narrowing slightly, "are we here to fight… or chat?"
Ava tilted her head, lips quirking with mischief. "That depends on you."
Jayden raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
