SHADOWS OF TAYO

People gathered around the buffets, engrossed in their conversations.

The shadows of the guests danced under the dazzling lights of the banquet hall, amid the sounds filling the room.

Oliver and Max joined their friends, Cami and the others, as they waited for the main event of the evening, engrossed in their chatter.

__"Who do you think will host the event?"__

__"Likely the city mayor or someone representing him this year. The city of Bath will host the annual festival to select candidates for the Black Legion."__ Max tightened his grip on the cup in his hands while glancing at Oliver.

__"Oliver, what's wrong? You seem distracted."__

Oliver wiped sweat from his brow and took a sip of his drink, pushing away the memories of the bad dream.

__"It's nothing. I'm fine."__

__"Our chance is approaching. Are you all ready?"__

Oliver looked at his companions' enthusiastic gazes and felt a hint of calm.

__"Of course. We've been waiting for this opportunity for ages."__

Their conversation was cut off as several men entered the hall.

With their entrance, figures who stole everyone's attention turned the chaotic buzz of the event into an anticipatory silence.

They were men of varying builds and features, but what drew attention was the eyes of one among them—sharp as a sword, hiding behind them an unparalleled ambition.

__"That's Leonidas Foss."__

The attendees quickly recognized him. The important guests sat in their designated seats, observing the event.

Cami stared sharply at Leonidas, as if recognizing him from somewhere.

__"Cami, do you know Lord Leonidas?"__ Ava asked tensely after noticing a shift in Cami's usually calm demeanor.

__"He's a shadow from a distant past."__

Meanwhile, Oliver, lost in his muddled, haunting memories, suddenly felt a burning pain in his chest after Leonidas entered the hall.

__"Oliver?"__ Max said, concern etched on his face.

Sweat dripped down Oliver's face as he clutched his chest, the cup slipping from his hand.

__"I'll go to the bathroom. I'm fine."__

Oliver hurried to the bathroom.

After a while, Oliver stared at himself in the mirror, trying to examine his chest.

__"What's wrong with Oliver? Is he okay?"__

__"I don't know. He rushed to the bathroom. I think he's just nervous."__

The soft clinking of a butter knife against a wine glass interrupted them, signaling the start of the main speech.

The leader of the Black Legion stepped toward the sound system, adjusting his black attire.

__"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce Lord Leonidas Foss, head of the Foss family and the most prominent branch of the Agnes family—one of the three families guarding the kingdom alongside the royal family. And the commander of the Black Legion."**

City Leader Victor Agnes yielded the floor to Leonidas.