Side Story 4.111 - Dawn Rematch

Johanis' POV 

Dawn crept over the treetops like it was trying not to wake anyone, which was deeply unfair because I was already wide awake and freezing.

The grass was still damp under my feet, dew soaking into my boots as I crouched by the ring. My breath curled in front of me like tiny dragons. My arms were still sore from yesterday, but I wasn’t about to admit that. Sari wasn’t here yet.

Which either meant I was early…

Or he was hiding in a bush again.

The latter is most likely.

“You better not jump out dramatically again!” I called out into the mist.

No answer.

I waited, half-expecting a squirrel to throw some nuts at me. Then—

“Behind you.”