~Laurent
I pushed through the crowd, heart pounding. The medics were already lifting Ciela off the arena floor, her body limp, her hair veiling her face. I didn’t even realize I was moving until a hand gripped my arm.
“Stop.”
It was Serene.
I turned, scowling. “But she just collapsed. I need to—”
“She’s in good hands,” Serene said, calm as ever. Her grip didn’t loosen. “The medics are trained for this. You going over there won’t change anything.”
I wanted to argue, but she was right. My presence wouldn’t help. And besides—
“The Vampire system is up next.”
I froze, staring at her. “What?”
She released my arm and nodded toward the stage. “Pull yourself together. We’re on.”
⸻
The referee cleared his throat, forcing a professional smile over the uneasy hush that lingered after Ciela
