"I honestly don't know."
We fought for twenty minutes. Evenly matched. My empathic reading countered his experience.
Then David did something I didn't expect.
He yielded.
"You have demonstrated combat skill, tactical intelligence, and honorable spirit worthy of Luna status," he said loudly, bowing deeply. "I would be honored to serve under your leadership."
The arena went silent.
David was respected among the elders. His opinion mattered.
Elder Patricia beamed. Elder Sarah looked like she'd swallowed glass.
Jake's confidence visibly wavered.
Christian's eyes shone with fierce pride.
"Final trial," Elder Thompson announced. "Jake Stevens."
The crowd's energy shifted immediately. This was the fight everyone came to see.
Jake entered the ring like he owne
