[A few minutes ago]
"We need to split up," Adrian called out once Ariana finished off the ambushers.
Ariana frowned. "Don't tell me you plan on going into the arena alone."
Adrian shook his head. "No—I'm sending you there alone, Ariana." His voice was firm. "I doubt the main force is inside, but there's a high chance a core member is holding the students hostage. That's why you need to go. You're the headmistress. It's your duty to protect them."
Elana had just relayed the words: I couldn't find Brendon or Allen. And the students from the other academies… they're gone too. That means they're either dead—or taken.
Ariana clenched her jaw, but she didn't argue. She already knew following Adrian would only sound irrational in this situation.
Adrian turned to Ruby. "Ruby, your people aren't inside the perimeter, are they?"
