Chapter 25 - The Final Round
Jaren extended an invitation to the entire team for the orientation slated the following morning before dismissing them for the day. Upon exiting the arena, they were swarmed by a crowd of admirers, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite competitors. Elvira broke through the throng of people with her family's entourage behind her, and together they skillfully cleared a pathway for the finalists.
Elvira strode next to Lukas, informing him what was planned for the rest of the day. "You'll have about an hour to head back to The Golden Griffin, clean up, and grab some rest. Then we'll regroup for a press conference in the lobby. After that, my parents are throwing a celebration in your honor. Don't worry, we won't stay out too late -- I'm finally going to make good on my promise." Elvira's tone was provocative, and a sly grin spread across her face as she squeezed his hand.
Lukas gratefully accepted the opportunity to return to their suite and recuperate. The day's grueling combat had left him sore and exhausted, and he wasted no time bathing before collapsing onto his bed.
He drifted off into a deep sleep, only to be jolted awake by a loud knock at the door. Groggy and disoriented, he pushed himself up and went to the door. It was Elvira, bustling around the suite with her usual, commanding energy, trying to rouse the team.
"Wake up, everyone! We're late for our own press conference!" she exclaimed, the urgency in her voice cutting through the remnants of his sleep. She herded everyone out into the hall, where they made their way down to the lobby.
The press conference was an ordeal for Lukas, challenging his patience as repeated questions regarding their relationship status and motivations for competing in the tournament were thrown at them. His team kept their answers light-hearted and brief, but Lukas could not wait for it to end. Finally, Elvira wrapped it up and immediately steered the team outdoors, where a pair of carriages awaited them. Lukas and his companions climbed aboard and they were whisked away.
They rode the carriages to the Silverbreeze estate in the capital, where they were met with a lavishly decorated front yard. Upon entering the manor, Lukas was even further impressed by the luxury presented to him. Fresh, exotic plants had been artfully arranged throughout the interior since Lukas's last visit, and a stunning new crystal chandelier sparkled in the grand entryway. In the main room, an elegant quartet played a melodic elven tune that flowed along with the chatter of the guests, filling the air with a sense of enchantment.
"How did they put this all together so quickly?" Lukas asked.
"They had the arrangements lined up," Elvira answered. "I guess their faith in you is growing."
"Will there be food?" Lukas asked.
Elvira snorted. "Yes, Lukas dear. There will be food."
A number of dignitaries approached Lukas and his team, each introducing themselves with a mix of formality and warmth. Lukas felt a sense of recognition, as if he had already met some of them before during the opening dinner party, but that evening felt more like a hazy memory, lost amidst the excitement and chaos of the day.
The food that Elvira had promised was finally served buffet-style drawing the attention of the guests. Lukas, realizing he hadn't eaten since breakfast, quickly moved toward the front of the line, but not fast enough to outpace Gemma, who slipped ahead of him with a sly grin.
"Hey! No cutting," he protested playfully.
Gemma turned to him even as her hands reached for the array of delectable offerings. "What are you going to do? Punish me?" she asked with a tempting smirk on her face.
"I believe that I am busy tonight," Lukas said, "but you'll get what's coming to you."
The tall brunette flashed a mischievous grin at the implications of his promise before returning to her quest to secure enough food to satisfy her warrior-sized appetite.
After filling his plate, Lukas found his team loosely gathering and together they found a relatively quiet spot in the corner to eat and relax. Once everyone had been given the chance to eat, toasts to the young finalists began to resound throughout the room, accompanied by well-wishes and congratulations from every corner.
As the last toast faded into the background, Elvira shot Lukas a look, a silent signal that sparked his excitement. Lukas whispered something into Fiona's ear before rising to follow Elvira out of the party. The pair quickly made their way to The Golden Griffin, where a blonde half-elf awaited them outside the door to their suite.
"Fancy running into you two at this hour," Monique said with a playful lilt in her voice.
"Is everything ready?" Elvira inquired, and Monique gave a confirming nod.
"Ready?" Lukas asked, his brow raised in curiosity.
"Yes, Lukas dear," Elvira replied. "You've been busy proving your strength and fighting so valiantly. I think it's time to treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation."
The Anoran opened the door to the suite and led her Dominant in. Inside, Lukas was greeted by a candle-lit room and an intriguing padded table in the center. "What's that?"
Elvira giggled. "He's from the middle of nowhere," she explained to Monique. "That, Lukas dear, is a massage table."
Lukas examined the piece of furniture, nodding with understanding. "I've never had a massage," he confessed.
"That changes tonight," Elvira whispered into his ear. She linked her hand with his and pulled him over to the table. "Strip," she ordered seductively.
"I like where this is going," Lukas said with a grin while peeling off his clothes.
