Silas jogged forward at a steady pace while Mirabelle watched the maze unfold before them.
The walls rose high on both sides, built from thick timber and woven roots. Somewhere beyond them came muffled voices, the occasional curse, and the roar of spectators watching from the arena platforms above.
"Left. Keep going."
Silas immediately obeyed.
Ahead of them stretched the first obstacle.
A single tree trunk.
Long.
Narrow.
Its bark had been stripped smooth and polished by countless feet. The rounded surface sloped away on both sides, making every step a balancing act.
Several pairs ahead of them were already struggling.
A fox Beastman wobbled dangerously while his female shrieked instructions.
One wrong step.
A yelp.
Then both disappeared from sight behind the trunk as the crowd above erupted into laughter.
Mirabelle narrowed her eyes.
"Slow down."
Silas immediately reduced his pace.
"Three more steps."
The panther counted silently.
"Stop."
