Zara’s POV
The air inside the training grounds felt heavier than usual.
Not because of the heat.
Not because of the crowd gathering along the edges to watch.
Because everyone could feel it.
Something was coming.
I stood in the center of the packed dirt arena, dressed in fitted black training leathers Laura had insisted would “make me look terrifying.” They did not make me feel terrifying. My stomach was in knots, my palms damp, and Fire had been pacing in my mind since sunrise.
Stop fidgeting. You are making us look nervous.
I am nervous.
Then hide it better.
I nearly rolled my eyes when Davon approached with two wooden staffs in his hands.
“You ready?” he asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“No.”
“Good answer. Means you still have sense.”
He tossed one of the staffs toward
