Thalia's muscles tensed as she prepared to lunge at Marcus, her knives glinting in the dim light of the training room. Just as she was about to strike, a loud clang echoed through the chamber, startling her. A spear had slammed into the ground between them, its shaft still vibrating from the impact.
"Your attention now!" a rough voice bellowed.
Thalia's eyes darted toward the source of the interruption. A stocky, balding man stood beneath the mezzanine, his presence commanding respect. She exchanged a quick glance with Marcus, who gave a slight nod. Reluctantly, she handed over her knives, the cold metal slipping from her fingers.
"Who's this guy?" Thalia whispered to Marcus as she rejoined the other competitors.
"Titus Branson," Marcus murmured back. "The Weapons Master. Show some res
