Seraphina lifted her gaze, every eye was on her. Warriors, Elite trainees, even servants lingering at the edge, all waiting.

Waiting for the high-born Luna to accept the challenge of an outsider.

She did.

"I accept," Seraphina said, her voice tight and sharp

A faint ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. Arielle remained still, her expression unreadable.

“But on one condition,” Seraphina continued, a sharp smile curving her lips. “Whoever loses must drop to their knees in the center ...