The arena fell into that particular kind of silence that meant something interesting was about to happen. Natalia and Skylar stood on one side of the platform, looking like they'd walked straight out of a noir film. On the other side, two Sentinels in their pristine silver and blue.
Aaron Sanders. Built like a tank, with the kind of jaw that suggested he ate nails for breakfast. His Aspect was some kind of kinetic barrier. Hard to hit, harder to hurt.
And Marie Reyes. Ice manipulation, though nowhere near Cel's level. She looked nervous, which was smart. Natalia's Cryo-Lich Ring was already starting to pulse with cold light.
"Your girlfriend's scary," Emi said beside me, her voice coming out small and slightly awed.
"Which one?"
She blinked, clearly not expecting that response. "I meant Natalia."
"You're all scary in your own ways," I said, keeping my eyes on the platform. "That's precisely why I like you all."
