Kael's mind raced, his composed exterior cracking as the pieces fell into place with startling clarity. Elder Xue's blade was moving with lethal intent, its sharp edge cutting through the air toward Lucavion. The lounge, normally bustling with guards and attendants, was conspicuously empty.
'Where are the guards?' Kael thought, his eyes darting to the corners of the room as he closed the distance with rapid strides. 'The Marquis explicitly stated that the contestants would be protected. So why is she here—alone, unopposed?'
The absence of any intervention was alarming, but Kael didn't have the luxury of pondering it further. His instincts screamed at him to act, and the consequences of inaction loomed too large. If Xue kills him here, it won't just stain the tournament—it'll bury every potential secret he holds. And that… that would be a loss to the Silver Flame Sect.
