26. THE ARENA BATTLE
Ewan had once again worked his special brand of manipulative magic, and persuaded Magnus that the surgeon needed extra support so that Fidella could stay as close to Conri as possible. Unbeknownst to her, it was another way the pack could protect her from the wandering hands of the privileged that Iselda had suggested. In the labyrinth of rooms beneath the arena the rhythmic sound of excitement percussion the atmosphere in an anthem of anticipation. Cheers of joy sang in a collective alongside the transactional talk of the aristocracy, the slamming of feet in unison signifying the crowd’s impatience. The wine sellers yelling into the audience to catch a last minute sale, and loaves of bread thrown into the stands as a symbol of generosity from the Ludus houses. Fidella was kneeling in
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