Ayla's POV
I stood over him, chest heaving, silver light flickering around my hands before I forced it down.
Coach Rayson's whistle blew. "Match! Winner: Rashborne and Thorne!"
I couldn't believe it. I won. We won.
Sienna limped over, grinning despite her split lip. "Told you that pendant woke something up."
Across the arena, Professor Arkon was staring at me with Pride.
But he didn't rush over. Didn't interfere. He just gave me a single nod of acknowledgment.
And somehow, that meant more than any rescue ever could.
***
Later, in the locker room, Sienna helped me ice my bruises.
"That was amazing," she said. "Did you see Cooper's face when you dropped him?"
I managed a small smile. My body ached everywhere, but it was a good ache. The ache of having fought my own battle.
"You k
