~ Elvira ~
The sand of the arena felt hot between my toes, and for a second, I felt entirely confident.
I could feel the spark dancing in my fingertips, and Noella’s training was clear in my mind.
I looked up at the Alpha’s box, seeing Gabriel’s face pale and shocked, and I felt a surge of triumph. Watch me, I thought. Watch me prove everyone wrong.
Garak, the big warrior across from me, laughed. It was a rough, mean sound. "I’ve had tougher snacks than you, little rogue," he grunted, cracking his knuckles.
The drum gave one final, loud thwack, and the three-minute timer started.
"Go!" Haddon shouted.
I moved first. I was fast, faster than I’d ever been. I dodged his first swing, feeling the wind of his fist pass my ear.
I landed a kick to his knee, and for a second, Garak actually
