The he Hunting Grounds
The knock came at sunrise.
Holden was already awake, sitting on his bed with the Ashen Bestiary open in his lap. Maeve had highlighted three pages before going to sleep, each one detailing beasts commonly found in artificial forest environments. He'd memorized them all by midnight.
"Team Soup! Open up! Royal summons!"
He set the book aside and opened the door.
A man stood waiting in the hallway, wearing an expensive suit. His collar had gold stitching, and he wore a crown-shaped pin with jewels on his chest. A camera crew floated behind him, using glowing crystals to record the whole thing.
"Good morning, champions!" The man spread his arms wide, his smile blinding. "I am Royal Envoy Cassius, and I have amazing news from the Crown!"
Holden leaned against the doorframe. "It's seven in the morning."
