LYRAFor a second, neither of us moves.Nessa’s chest is still rising fast beneath me, sweat-slick and heaving, and my own pulse is finally slowing from war-drums to something human again. Releasing the hold, I roll back onto my heels.I hold a hand out to her. She takes it immediately and her grip of steady. When she gets to her feet, she pulls me into a hug. A real one. It feels firm, and… oddly familiar.Which is… weird. Considering I’ve never hugged her before. Ever.Her chin rests on my shoulder, her arms tight around me, and I stiffen automatically. My every instinct flares, but I force myself to relax. “Hell of an elimination,” she murmurs into my ear.“Yeah,” I mutter, and she laughs softly.She lets go before it gets awkward, thank the goddess.“You may rest while the rest of the cadets continue their eliminations,” one of the judges says, his voice flat as stone. “Once all tests have been completed, you will be called to return.”And just like that, we’re dismissed.No fanf
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