The three of them looked at each other, the weight of what they'd learned settling into their bones. They'd gained invaluable information—confirmation of the guardian's existence, understanding of its limitations, insight into the real structure of this tournament. But that information had come at a price.
They'd made an enemy of the one person in this arena who controlled everything.
"We'll handle it," Nyla said finally, her voice carrying quiet steel. "Whatever he sends. We've survived worse."
"Have we?" Akhil asked, genuinely uncertain.
Nyla's smile was sharp and cold as her ice. "We're about to find out."
---
In the shadows at the edge of the arena, Jeren stood perfectly still.
