Sasha’s POV
The Pit reeked of sweat, blood, and rage. They called it a "trial," but nothing was structured or noble about it. Just a wide, circular pit dug into the cold earth beneath the Academy, a stone basin slick with old blood, the walls lined with claw marks and rusted hooks. No rules. No mercy. You either fight until you can’t move or submit. Submissions were rare.
We were herded down in groups like livestock. The crowd above jeered and roared like beasts, shadows writhing on the arena's rim like silent ghosts.
My boots hit the packed dirt, ankles heavy with the weights chained to them. Each step was an effort, the rattling of chains like death knells in my ears. The scent of metal, sweat, and fear hit the back of my throat. My fingers curled and uncurled, nerves buzzing beneath
