Jonah's win against Cassian shook the Academy in a new and different way. His first victory puzzled everyone. This one was deeply meaningful. He hadn't just beaten a skilled fighter; he had disarmed a true believer with a weapon of peace. Now, people whispered about him with awe, respect, and fear.
He sat in the meditation garden, the same quiet place where he'd first met Ariana. He had come here to try and find some peace from the storm of his new fame. He needed to clear his head, to think about the upcoming semi-finals, and to think about the decaying serum that was his nation's dark secret. He wanted to think about anything but the crushing pressure of being called a "Saint."
"That was a contradiction."
The voice was calm and clear, cutting through his thoughts. He looked up. Ariana stood at the entrance to the garden. Her face showed nothing, but her eyes were sharp and focused. She wasn't here for a casual chat. She was here for answers.
