(Adrian's POV).
I had barely wiped the tears from Lena’s cheeks when Kai burst into my office, breathless, eyes wide with urgency.
“Adrian!” he panted, voice booming into the quiet space. “The competition—it’s starting. Right now.”
My brows shot up. “What?” I glanced at Lena, who looked equally stunned. “That can’t be right. We still had days. I was sure of it.”
Kai shook his head. “They moved it up. No warning. The arena’s already packed. You need to be there.”
Lena’s mouth parted slightly. Her hands trembled in her lap as she looked at me for some sort of assurance. I forced a calm I didn’t feel and nodded, rising from my chair.
“I… I feel nervous. Why does it sound like I'm not ready for this?” she said with a trembling voice.
I grabbed her cheeks and looked her in the eyes.
