Leah froze.
The warmth at her waist was real: steady, grounding. Her breath caught as she felt herself drawn back from the edge, boots scraping safely against stone once more.
"Easy," came a calm voice behind her. "The tower has a habit of testing courage."
She turned her head slowly.
Frauner stood close, one arm still around her waist, the other braced against the stone railing. His expression was composed, but his eyes held quiet concern. The red band around his head fluttered slightly in the high wind, and the morning light traced sharp lines along his features.
"I'm… fine," Leah said, though her heartbeat betrayed her words.
"I know," Frauner replied. "But even warriors forget to breathe sometimes."
He released her gently and stepped back, giving her space without truly leaving her side.
Hentry, who had been animatedly questioning the technicians, turned around. "Whoa! did you almost fly without the rope?" he said, half-awed, half-alarmed.
"Mind your tongue," Frauner said dryly. "Or I'll let you test gravity first."
Hentry laughed nervously. "Noted."
The technicians began their preparations. Thick leather straps were checked, knots tightened, and the great rope line was tested once more. It stretched from the Eastern Tower toward the distant arena tower like a path drawn across the sky.
Leah watched them, her earlier disappointment still heavy in her chest. Her father's words echoed in her mind: legacy, bloodline, duty. She clenched her fists.
Just once, she said to herself. "Let me choose my own path."
"Princess," one of the technicians said respectfully, "you go first."
Leah nodded.
She stepped into the harness, feeling its weight settle around her waist and thighs. The rope creaked softly as it took tension. Wind rushed past her ears, tugging at her armor and hair.
Hentry leaned over the edge and looked down. "This is incredible," he breathed. "It's like the world is… tiny."
Frauner checked Leah's straps himself, fingers quick and precise. "Hold tight to the handle. Keep your knees bent. Don't fight the glide, flow with it."
She met his eyes. "You sound like you've done this before."
"I have," he said simply. "And I'm still alive. That should comfort you."
A faint smile touched her lips.
The technician raised his hand. "On my signal."
The city stretched beneath them: sunlit rooftops, winding roads, banners beginning to rise as the crowd gathered. In the distance, the arena loomed, massive and alive with sound.
Leah's pulse quickened.
This isn't fear, she realized. This is freedom.
"Go!"
She stepped forward.
For a heartbeat, there was nothing, just air.
Then the rope caught, and Leah soared.
The wind roared past her as the tower fell away behind. The city opened beneath her like a painted map, colors and motion blending into a breathtaking blur. Her armor hummed softly, and the harness held firm.
She laughed, once, sharp and surprised,before steadying herself.
This, she thought, this is what it feels like.
Moments later, Hentry launched after her, whooping with unrestrained joy. "I'm Flyingggg !"
Frauner followed last, smooth and controlled, keeping pace behind them like a silent shadow.
The arena tower rushed closer, banners snapping in the wind. Cheers rose faintly from below as people noticed the figures gliding across the sky.
Leah landed hard but clean on the receiving platform, boots skidding slightly before finding purchase.
Leah's breath came fast, her eyes bright, not with sunlight this time, but with something deeper.
She straightened.
"Did you see that?" Hentry shouted as he approached the end of the rope.
"DID YOU SEE THAT?"
Suddenly, his confidence faltered. Panic flashed across his face as he struggled to land, legs flailing.
"Be careful!" Leah shouted.
"Easy! Easy!" a technician yelled, rushing forward. He grabbed Hentry firmly and pulled him to safety.
"OOOOOOOOOH!" Hentry shouted, half fear, half exhilaration.
Frauner approached next.
Instead of slowing, he twisted slightly at the end of the rope, letting momentum carry him into a smooth arc. He released at the perfect moment, flipped upside down midair, and landed on one knee,one hand touching the stone, the other extended behind him, fingers slicing the air like a finishing stroke.
"What a show-off," Hentry sighed.
Leah stared.
She didn't blink.
Then, realizing herself, she quickly turned away.
From below came the roar of the crowd, thousands of voices blending into a single thunderous sound.
Leah stepped closer to the edge and looked down.
The arena shimmered beneath the morning sun, its stone glowing brighter with every passing moment.
And somewhere deep within her, something stirred,
not defiance,
not rebellion,
but certainty.