"You took an unreasonable risk down there," Lucian said, his voice quiet, almost lost beneath the roar of the crowd.
It won the fight," Samantha replied.
Lucian's lips twitched slightly—the closest he had ever come to a smile.
"For now, Samantha. For now."
Xander slouched over, throwing his arms behind his head with a dramatic sigh.
"Man, I was five seconds away from that Prime Seal. You Talented are way too aggressive when you're backed into a corner."
"We have to be," Warren noted, walking up beside Samantha. "Otherwise, you assassins take everything."
Above them, in the high observation gallery of Pyreptar Academy, Headmaster Gregory Whizen looked down at the arena floor, his gloved hands resting on the gilded railing.
Behind him sat the hooded representatives of the Council of Assassins, their sharp eyes fixed on the girl holding the dark, mineral spear.
Trial Two was over.
