Draven crouched by the trapdoor, staring into the dark where Leo had dropped.
Sylo slid up beside him, her voice sharp with doubt. "Bet he's dead from that fall."
Draven's smirk was cold, his amber eyes gleaming. "Nah. If he's really the Ruler, he'll make it through one round at least." He glanced at the Wolves below, their faces tight with rage. "If he survives, you can kill him yourselves. Call it a prize."
Leo fell fast through the tunnel, his dark blue coat flapping in the wet, rushing air. His wrists burned, tied tight behind his back with knots so good he'd need to lose skin or bone to get free. A faint light glowed ahead, showing the tunnel's end.
Leo focused, pulling wind mana to his legs, a soft shimmer wrapping around him.
The tunnel spit him out into open air. Twisting as he fell, Leo used the wind mana to slow his drop. He hit the ground hard, crouching, pain surging through his legs even with the mana's help. His jaw clenched, but his tied hands stayed whole.
