“Exactly!”
He cracks his neck. “I’d still kill all the others, then save you, then kill whoever put you in the tournament.”
“Never mind.” I stare at the two wide metal doors. “So I just go out there and fight, right?”
“Yes.” Jeren drops to his knees in front of me and checks all my hidden knives.
“What if she brings a big gun or something?” I tap my foot as Jeren’s fingertips feel up my leg.
“Concussion weapons aren’t allowed. We’ve been over this. You’ll do fine.” Kyte leans against the doors, his green gaze on me. “Remember what we talked about.”
“Quick and easy.”
He nods.
“Ready?” Master Harlan strides in, his demeanor verging on supportive but not quite. “You can do this, Omega.”
“Lana.” I sigh. “Not Omega.”
“Yes.” He strides to me. “Just let her think she’s won. Don’t do anything flashy. And then it’ll be behind us, and no one will use it as ammunition against the circle. After that, we can focus on our true enemies instead of this ridiculous infighting.” He says the last word like a curse.
At the risk of sounding like a five-year-old, I say, “Ilwen started it.”
Master Harlan raises a brow. “Then let her finish it.” He turns and marches out, his demeanor hard as ever.
“Maybe I should just lose.” I rub my eyes. “I mean, setting Master Harlan aside for a second, what do you think Bartanz will do if I win?”
“Whenyou win,” Ceredes corrects.
“Right. That.”
“He won’t be happy, but it’s not like he can discipline you. Not after you collared him like an unruly animal last time.” Ceredes almost smiles at the memory.
“Okay.” I shake out my hands and wonder if I should go pee again.
Kyte jolts as the doors begin to open and the blinding lights of the arena seep in through the widening crack. “You’ve got this.” He trots over to me and kisses my forehead.
“And if you don’t, I’ll be here.” Onin smiles, but he’s pale. “As you know, your energy blades are all turned down to non-lethal levels. So, you can do damage, but nothing permanent. For instance, her blade isn’t strong enough to sever your head.”
“I …” I just gawk at him, utterly speechless.
“Real helpful.” Jeren glares at him.
“Sorry.” He wipes his sweaty forehead. Onin seems more worried than I am, but he comes over to me, a kind expression on his face. “I didn’t mean it that way. You are amazing. Sometimes, you remind me of my mate, and he would be so proud of you right now, just like I am.”
The bridge of my nose stings with unexpected tears. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Be confident.” He holds me in his steady gaze. “You can do this. I have more faith in you than I’ve had in anyone since …” The words fade, but that sting comes back, and I have to take a deep breath.
“Right.” I give him the best smile I can. “I’ve got this.”
“You got it.” He squeezes my shoulder then returns to his syringes.
“Don’t worry about that whole ‘severing’ thing. He’s just saying that you’re safe in the broadest sense of the word.” Kyte turns me from Onin as the crowd noise shakes the room.
“It sounds like the entire academy is here.” I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly a desert.
“Definitely.” Jeren is behind me like always. “Go. We’ll be watching.”
