Tonight is the night.
I’ve been working my ass off for this tournament, nursing more than a few burns, though most were electrical, courtesy of Viola’s “help.” Fair is fair, I suppose. I did burn off her eyebrows. After tying my hair into a tight ponytail, I smooth out my new training gear until no wrinkles remain before stepping out of my room.
Downstairs, Viola is already waiting, practically buzzing with energy. Unlike the shifter battles, fought in dusty rings, witches fight outdoors beneath shimmering barriers that keep any wayward magic from escaping and hurting others. When the first rays of dawn stretch across the field, we gather with the other students. Laughter and chatter linger around us until silence ripples through the group.
Elder Yona steps forward, voice steady but co
