Tron's hall seemed denser that night. The torches burned brightly, but the air was heavy, as if even the smoke avoided moving. Aurora could feel it in her skin. The mood had changed.

Since she had arrived there, the elders had paid her little attention. They always gave her the same curt response when she begged to see her mother: “Win the tournament and you will both be free.” Nothing more. But that night, their eyes were fixed on her.

Aurora swallowed hard. The fork ...