Chapter Seventeen
Korum woke up to the unfamiliar feel of hard ground underneath his back. Before he even opened his eyes, he remembered everything that had occurred earlier—including Mia’s voluntary participation in the celebration.
He could feel her slight weight on his arm, hear her quiet breathing, and he knew she was deeply asleep, worn out from the double ordeal of the fight and the celebration. Moving carefully, Korum freed his arm, gently lowering her head to the ground. Then he stood up and created fresh clothes for both of them. A pair of shorts for himself and a robe for Mia—just enough to afford them some coverage in case any spectators remained in the Arena.
He was thirsty and hungry, but otherwise he felt great, his body practically thrumming with energy. The scientists sa
