Chapter 25: Fear, Fangs, and Foolish Hope
Elara’s POV
My heart was beating unnaturally, like it had given up on any rhythm and just decided to do jazz.
I followed the boys toward the arena, each step feeling like a countdown to my own funeral. I was afraid of everything. Afraid of the battles. Afraid of failing. Afraid of seeing Damien again and having him recognize me as the i***t who clawed his face, ruined his pride, and lived to tell the tale.
Actually, scratch that. I didn’t live, I limped. Emotionally and physically.
The path to the arena was already buzzing with noise. Trainees from different sections were gathering in clusters, some stretching, others boasting, most just radiating tension. It was like walking into a warzone disguised as a school sporting event.
Drake was besi
