They weren't mistakes.
Freya was too skilled for that.
Elara had sparred with her enough when they were younger, back before the comparisons became unbearable, and she actually like being around her sister. She knew Freya's footwork, knew her tells, knew the way she moved when she was serious versus when she was testing the waters.
But this wasn't testing either.
This was something else.
Pity?
Anger flared hot in Elara's chest at the thought.
Is she letting me win because she feels sorry for me?
It angered her more than she cared to admit at the prospect of Freya feeling pity towards her. When the bullying accusations had happened, that was the one thing she was most worried about – Freya feeling pity towards her.
But she dismissed the thought just as fast.
Freya might wear kindness like armor, but she wasn't stupid.
She wouldn't risk the battle – risk Class S's capture – just to make Elara feel better about herself.
That meant Freya wanted something.
