The grand arena was packed. Every seat filled, students standing in the aisles, even the upper galleries crowded with spectators. The whole academy had turned out to watch me fight for my right to stay.
Or to watch me die trying.
I stood in the center of the sand-covered floor, wearing the light armor Celeste had insisted on. Leather reinforced with metal plates at vital points. Enough protection to prevent instant death, not enough to slow me down.
Across from me, Matthias Wicke looked like he'd been carved from stone. Taller than Darius by several inches, shoulders broad enough to block out the sun. Scars crossed his arms and face, each one a testament to battles survived. His eyes held the cold assessment of someone who'd killed before and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
"Final ch
