I barely slept.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Jessica's worried face telling me that Compassion Challenges broke people. Not failed them. Broke them.
Maria arrived at dawn with another white dress, this one softer, more flowing. Less "I'm going to fight you" and more "I'm going to cry for you."
Great.
"Are you okay?" Maria's hands were gentle as she braided my hair.
"Define okay."
"Fair point." She squeezed my shoulder. "I asked around about Compassion Challenges. Nobody would tell me anything specific, but… Sophie, they're intense. Really intense."
"More intense than fighting Jake?"
"Different intensity. Physical pain heals. Emotional pain…" She trailed off. "Just be careful."
Christian was waiting outside the council chamber. He looked like he hadn't sle
