Liam stood quietly in the center of the open space outside the guild, his robe swaying gently in the morning breeze. His expression was calm, almost bored, as he looked across at Rowan, who was already stretching his shoulders with an arrogant grin plastered across his face.
The crowd had naturally formed a wide circle around them, giving the two men plenty of room. Adventurers stood shoulder to shoulder, mugs forgotten in their hands as everyone fixed their attention on what was about to unfold. Some had climbed onto carts while others stood on barrels just to get a better view.
Liam simply met Rowan's gaze.
Then…
He lazily raised one hand.
With a relaxed expression, he curled his fingers toward himself.
"Come."
That was all.
No fighting stance.
No preparation.
Not even the slightest hint of caution.
Just a casual gesture, as though he were calling over someone to have a conversation rather than preparing for a duel.
Rowan's face darkened instantly.
