Mia’s POV
The morning felt different.
The air was cooler than it had been yesterday, carrying a sharp bite that seemed to awaken every nerve in my body. All around us, students poured toward the tournament grounds, their excited conversations blending into one restless hum. Yesterday’s curiosity had disappeared. Today, everyone wore the same determined expression.
The games had officially begun.
Brin walked between Liora and me with far more confidence than I felt.
“I’ve made a decision,” she announced dramatically.
Liora glanced sideways. “Should I be concerned?”
“A little.”
I smiled despite the knot tightening in my stomach.
Brin sighed heavily. “If I embarrass myself today… pretend you’ve never met me.”
I laughed.
“I don’t think that’s possible,” Liora replied.
“It absolutel
