The courtyard was silent, save for the rustle of silk and the distant chirp of crickets. Ezra stood at the center of the red carpet, his white tunic crisp against the ancient stone architecture behind him. His opponent, Shiden, gripped a leather whip with golden handle, eyes narrowed in contempt. The crowd watched — some seated on ornate wooden chairs, others standing near pillars carved with dragons. A woman in turquoise robes leaned forward, her braided hair swaying as she whispered to no one in particular,