The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Let's hear it."

"If I lose, you owe me a dance," Percival declared, his eyes holding a depth like the ocean as they fixed on her luminous, moonlit gaze.

She was stunning, breathtaking. Every time he looked into her eyes, he found beauty that shone with a graceful light he treasured above all else. "Deal, I'll take the bet," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. Leaning forward, Vivienne's soft red lips brushed against Percival's cheek. After a moment, she pushed away from him. "The game has started, Mr. Wolf," she teased before leaving the rooftop.

Percival touched his cheek, still feeling the ghost of her kiss.

"Just you wait, I'll get my revenge," he muttered under his breath.

Down at the gaming arena, the atmosphere was electric, with a massive online audience tuning in. It was not just the gaming community-people who did not typically watch E-sports were also glued to their screens for this event. After all, the champion would be a hometown hero no matter who won.

Fans of Team Snake were waving banners with Kenneth's name, while supporters of Team Hawk were not far behind, hoisting up large signs rooting for Aaron.

As the players took their seats and the host announced the rules, Vivienne and Percival found their spots in the stands, eyes fixated on the live feed.

The match kicked off with Kenneth banning Aaron's go-to hero. Unperturbed, Aaron picked a solid, all-around choice.

Vivienne's lips curved into a knowing smile. The show was about to begin.

The heroes selected, Aaron played steadily, drawing first blood against Kenneth and clearing his jungle camps. Kenneth cursed under his breath but rallied, taking Aaron down in a counterattack and even snatching Bennett's red buff.

The match was a back-and-forth dance. Team Snake's synergy was clear, quickly gaining the upper hand. But Quentin of Team Hawk had stealthily secured the best position for the dragon. However, with Callum's help, Kenneth clinched it.

The tides of battle were apparent. Aaron was still powering up, farming his jungle while letting Fergus take hits and Bennett feed a couple of kills.

Kenneth was smug. He knew Aaron was not comfortable with his hero and seemed outmatched.

Launching a team fight, Team Snake pushed two turrets on the top lane. On the other side, Bennett took the opportunity to knock down one of the enemy's turrets. Still, Team Snake maintained control.

play, Kenneth took it down, bloodied but unbowed, and they pushed for

a move, acing Team Snake in a

down the outer turrets on all

baron buff, this was

assault on the top lane, using

Hawk fought valiantly but

game went

banning first, and just like Kenneth, Aaron banned Kenneth's last hero yet

having trained with different heroes the past few

initiating an early team fight—a risky move for any pro player. Engaging in an all-out

detour and snatched the opponent's red buff, leaving

Vivienne's strategy.

up in response.

squeezed her hand. "No, only I belong

rolled her eyes. Was he really getting

now that Aaron's previous performance was a ruse he knew this hero all too well. Aaron's solo rampage continued, culminating in a pentakill

Hawk seized this moment to push mid all the way to

fit of desperation, Kenneth went for

was near. Kenneth

on health, could only

prepared for a comeback, Aaron teleported to the high ground, securing another solo kill thanks to Lennox's last-ditch spell before being

Snake recovered, Hawk had claimed the baron. The final

nearly smashing his