Sasha watched the fight from the edge of the crater, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. The dust was still settling from Eva and Wolfen's clash, the ground still cracked and smoking.
She noticed Leo's hands.
His fists were clenched so hard that his fingers were digging into his palms, drawing blood. The droplets fell onto the ash-covered earth, dark and steady.
Derek and Jordan weren't any better. Their jaws were tight, their eyes fixed on the ground, their bodies radiating frustration.
"Frustrated, aren't you?" Sasha said, not looking at them.
No one answered.
"The only reason Wolfen beats you is because of his mindset. He doesn't let failure take him down. That's what makes him stronger."
She turned to face them fully.
"Eva is an Alpha. She's naturally stronger. Alphas are capable of challenging Absolute Architects. Alphas like me. Selene. Eva. The three of you—" She looked at Leo, at Derek, at Jordan. "You're strong in your own rights. If it weren't for you two—" She looked at Leo and Jordan. "I might have died. And you—" She looked at Derek. "You saved people. That's not nothing. Looking into death's eyes and saving people is something to be proud of."
She paused. Let it sink in.
"But if the three of you want to be even stronger—" Her voice dropped. "Then break your limits."
Leo's fists unclenched. The blood dripped freely now, but he didn't seem to notice.
Derek's jaw loosened. His eyes sharpened.
Jordan's body shifted, the tension in his shoulders easing.
Sasha looked at them.
"Again," she said.