Kai got up off his seat and Vepice caught his wrist before he left the stands.
"Come back in one piece, alright?" she said, her voice soft and gentle, but resolute.
Kai gave her a confident smile. "I'll do my best."
She didn't let go immediately. Her fingers lingered a second longer than needed before she nodded and released him.
Kai nodded before walking briskly from the stands to the waiting room beneath the arena.
Kai stepped through the tunnel as the crowd roared overhead.
The announcer's magically-boosted voice crackled through the arena, echoing with wild enthusiasm.
"Here is surely one match you've all been waiting for! The descendant of Angelica Trunsdale, and one of the most vicious fighters we've had this tournament so far! The young man who beat our beloved Durg! Let's hear it for Alex Trunsdaaaaaale!"
