FAZER LOGIN"Elaine, you're wanted by Master Wu." Sana's voice called through the doorway just as the twenty minutes ran out. Elaine hadn't managed to rest at all, her mind was too preoccupied cycling through possibilities about her afternoon instructor."Sana, do you happen to know who'll be training me this afternoon?" She caught Sana's hand, giving her the most pleading, innocent look she could manage."Come along. That trick won't work on me this time." Sana laughed softly despite herself. "I genuinely don't know who's coming either. I'm simply here to fetch you."She dragged Elaine along regardless. Elaine kept peppering her with the same question in different phrasings the entire walk, hoping something might slip."What's taken you two so long? Hurry, the guest is waiting." Renn appeared ahead of them, clearly having been sent to speed things along."Renn, who's coming to train me today?" Elaine redirected her efforts toward him instead, leaving a thoroughly amused Sana behind."That isn't
Three days felt impossibly short, but Master Wu intended to take full advantage of them. Elaine had barely settled into a deep sleep that night before Renn's knock roused her at the first hint of dawn."Can't I at least sleep until the sun's actually up?" She dragged herself upright, following him toward the training grounds with heavy, reluctant steps."No." Renn's tone carried no room for negotiation as he swung open the training yard's gate. "The battles ahead will only grow harder now that everyone's seen exactly what you're capable of.""Mmm." Elaine simply nodded, bracing herself internally for whatever brutal session awaited.What followed pushed her further than any previous training she'd endured since arriving in Vaelmoor. Renn drilled her through combination after combination, correcting her stance with increasing strictness, and sparring against her relentlessly with a speed and precision that left her barely enough time to recover between exchanges. He introduced counters
Elaine waved at Corren one final time with a genuine, smile before leaving the arena grounds. Kael watched the exchange with a fury he had no outlet for. He really had to hold back so as not to lash out. Was she doing this on purpose, provoking him on purpose. How could she offer him nothing but a stiff, reluctant bow without any smile, and then turn around and beam so freely at some man from the Vale household. He stormed out of the arena before Lira, who'd been trying to catch his attention all afternoon, could manage to say a single word to him.In Evie's private study, the sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the closed door. None of the household staff dared approach. They'd learned long ago that their mistress's fury, once unleashed, made stepping anywhere near her dangerous."How could this happen." Evie's voice cracked as she clutched an aging photograph in one trembling hand. "I got rid of you, and now your bastard daughter crawls back into my life, trying to overshad
"What's wrong, Evie? Are you feeling unwell?" Master Su asked, startled by her sudden reaction, concern written all over his face."I. I'm fine." Evie pressed a hand to her forehead, sinking slowly back into her seat, though she still remained visibly shaken. The person she'd spent decades searching for sat right there on the arena floor, alive, breathing and fighting for her life in front of hundreds of witnesses. It felt impossibly surreal, like something out of a nightmare. She studied Elaine with a calculating stare and her mind was already racing through possibilities. Master Wu, seated nearby, listened quietly to the exchange without saying a single word.Lord Ashworn's expression was now more than anxious, as he watched the fight unfold below. He'd begun regretting his decision to alter the trial's rules the moment Corren's injury became a liability."Look at them, Corren and the new girl move like a real couple, protecting each other so naturally.""I love their connection alr
Lord Ashworn signaled the host over with a little motion of his hand and murmured something to him. When the host straightened again, Ashworn had already turned his cold and calculating gaze back toward the stage, watching Corren and Elaine with narrowed focus."Everyone, there's a slight adjustment to today's remaining trial." The host cleared his throat, addressing the arena as murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd."I'd bet Lord Ashworn had a hand in this.""I only hope it doesn't grow more brutal than it already has."The host continued despite the crowd's commentary. "The winners of this round will advance to the next stage of competition." He scanned the assembled crowd with a small, knowing smile enjoying the anticipation building around him. "This round will consist of free combat. Everyone remaining will fight simultaneously, until only four finalists remain standing."The announcement sent the crowd into loud, excited chatter."Interesting." Master Su stroked his bea
Lira stood close beside Jace, offering him a slight nod, and he returned it without hesitation. His devotion to her very clear that she'd long since learned how to use it to her advantage. She knew he'd fight to the very end for her sake, and she intended to make full use of that loyalty today."They look wonderful together.""Truly like a power couple.""No, Lira belongs only with Lord Ashworn. Haven't you noticed his eyes haven't left her since the Trials began?"The crowd's arguments grew louder, opinions clashing over who deserved Lira's affections more."Each team will now face an opposing team," the host explained, guiding the contestants into position. "The winning team advances to the next level." Teams quickly aligned against their assigned opponents. By chance, Lira's team drew a separate group from Elaine's."The first pairing will remain on stage. Everyone else, please move below." The remaining contestants walked off the platform, leaving Lira, Jace, and their two opponen







