The championship stage felt different under the arena lights.
Bigger and louder. The white granite gleamed like a star under the spotlights. Thousands of upperclassmen packed the stands. Noble families leaned over their VIP railings. Instructors lined the upper ring with watchful eyes.
Holden walked to the center of the stage.
Across from him, Lyra stepped up with her spear resting on her shoulder. Her expression was calm, focused, and faintly amused. She looked like she was about to enjoy herself.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Always."
"Try not to embarrass yourself."
"No promises."
The referee raised his hand. The crowd noise peaked. Every eye in the stadium locked onto the two fighters.
In the VIP front row, Maeve had her Ashen Bestiary open on her lap. She'd been monitoring the arena floor's energy fluctuations all day, jotting down patterns in the margins of her notes.
She looked down at the stage edge.
Her pen stopped moving.
