The moment Kaelen's command echoed across the arena…
"Begin"… my muscles tensed.
I felt every eye on me, every whisper from the crowd like tiny needles on my skin. My chest tightened. My heart slammed against my ribs like it wanted to escape. This was it. My first stage. My first real fight in front of all these wolves.
Riven moved first.
I didn't have to see her to know her movements were precise, practiced, dangerous. I felt her energy as a pressure in the air, like she was already reading me before I could even react.
I backed up instinctively, planting my feet firmly, trying to center myself. My hands shook slightly, but I clenched them, forcing my focus into every small movement. Don't fall. Don't be weak. Don't let Kaelen see fear in you.
Riven lunged at me sudden
