"First match of the semifinals, begin!"
The instructor's voice echoed across the arena.
"Candidates, step forward."
From one side, Lia Isolde stepped onto the stage, her sword gripped firmly in hand. From the other, Arin Blake ascended with a calm, steady smile.
"All the best," Ron muttered as Lia passed him.
She gave him a small nod, her face unreadable, before stepping forward.
Arin rolled his shoulders, spear at his side. "Let's go all out, Miss Lia."
Something about his tone crawled under her skin. Lia's grip tightened on her sword, a strange unease swelling in her chest.
"Shut up… just shut up!" she hissed, slipping into her stance.
Arin tilted his head, smiling faintly. "You really don't want to fight me, do you?"
Her teeth ground together. She launched forward, wind gathering at her feet—
Only to falter mid-stride.
"Ahhhhhh!"
