Nathan grinned, raising a dagger toward the crowd. Ethan shrugged, muttering, "Fine, fine," before wandering off.
The students applauded. Nathan's reckless energy always drew eyes, but even Merlin saw the cracks. His friend's control wasn't there yet. Not compared to what Merlin knew true strength looked like.
More duels followed, Adrian versus Dorian, Liliana against a nameless student, but Merlin's thoughts drifted as names were called. His turn hadn't come yet.
Until—
"The final duel of this stage: Merlin Everhart versus Dorian Graves."
The whispers that erupted this time were louder, sharper.
"Everhart?"
"He's fighting?"
"But his strength—"
"Against Dorian?"
Dorian stepped forward, white hair falling over his crimson eyes, daggers gleaming in his hands. His expression was as cold as ever, movements precise. He looked like a man already sharpening a knife against Merlin's throat.
