Pit's insides felt soft and vulnerable, like he was exposing his belly to the crowd. When he and Ravenna made eye contact, she tilted her ears forward encouragingly.

Pit closed his eyes. His HUD showed his heartrate as elevated, but not dangerous. He took a deep, steadying breath, thankful for Ravenna's encouragement.

"You can trust that hound," someone very familiar said. "On my word as a Canuum Guardian, that's General Scolan himself."

Loper! Pit stood up ...