As the healers dragged Eli and Brody away, both battered but breathing, the crowd roared in appreciation. It was a spectacle worthy of legends, but my heart was already racing for the next match. Alastair Swift. Riley. The final pairing.
I could feel Annika practically pacing within me, restless and eager. We'd only seen him fight once and he was fighting the only person he loved, even then he was impressive but this would be different. This would be a true battle.
"This is the one I've been waiting for," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else, but Fen leaned in at my voice.
I reached for his hand without thinking, threading my fingers through his and tugging him closer. Sparks between us spur me into a genuine smile. The excitement bubbling in my chest needed grounding, and he was the surest anchor I had. He arched a brow at me, the edges of his mouth twitching into a jealous smirk, but when he caught the fire in my eyes, he only chuckled.
