"We're close," Edmund muttered softly to Warren.
"It's only the first trial," Warren said quietly, his voice steady, despite the adrenaline still humming through his veins.
"For now, we hold our ground."
Samantha walked over, the wet sand giving way beneath her boots. She unbuckled the leather strap at her chest and slung her heavy spear back across her shoulders.
Her gaze met Kaelen Sorel's across the crescent of the bay.
The noble heir was staring furiously at the glowing leaderboards, his eyes locked on his sixth-place slot.
His knuckles were white against his side, his jaw clenched so tight the muscle twitched beneath his skin.
He turned and walked off with his entourage without a word.
"Not a bad start." Cassius said, clapping Samantha on the shoulder. "Second place, overall."
Cassius shook his head.
"Damn Sammie, what have they been feeding you..."
