The grand arena was packed. Every seat filled, students standing in the aisles, even the upper galleries crowded with spectators. The whole academy had turned out to watch me fight for my right to stay.

Or to watch me die trying.

I stood in the center of the sand-covered floor, wearing the light armor Celeste had insisted on. Leather reinforced with metal plates at vital points. Enough protection to prevent instant death, not enough to slow me down.

Across from me, Matthias Wicke looked like ...