Some spoke loudly about Lukas’s courage, while others tried to dismiss it as luck or coincidence.
Up in the stands, Valquíria leaned over the railing, her warhammer resting on her shoulder.
— I don’t know if I should be proud or disappointed, — she said loud enough for her voice to carry. — You could’ve at least fainted, skinny boy. I had jokes ready.
Luiz laughed, hugging the crimson jester still bouncing on his shoulder.
— Yeah… fainting would’ve been less embarrassing than striking a hero pose.
Adriele, sitting further back, crossed her arms and shot them a frosty look.
— You two only know how to mock? What he did in there… it wasn’t something small.
Valquíria sighed theatrically.
— Aww, the little princess defends the skinny one. How sweet.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Helena, Lady of the Ouros, simply observed in silence, eyes half-closed like someone studying a chessboard.
— What matters isn’t the show… it’s what he’s building.
Down below, Lukas was leaving through the side corridor. Sarya went to meet him at the exit.
That’s when Valen Rowan appeared again, red hair gleaming like fire, his smile dripping with poison.
He walked as if he owned the ground beneath his feet.
— A fine show, — he said, eyes sliding to Lukas, then back to Sarya. — But courage in the arena doesn’t erase who you are.
Lukas stopped, serious, saying nothing.
Valen stepped closer to Sarya — but not enough to break formality.
— You should be careful with the chains you let yourself be bound by. The Outono doesn’t forgive those who lose focus.
Sarya held his gaze, voice firm:
— I choose my battles, Valen. I don’t need your permission.
His smile faltered for a heartbeat, then returned, sharpened with venom.
— Then let’s see how long that choice lasts.
He turned and left, leaving the shadow of his challenge behind.
Lukas started walking again, not looking back.
Inside, only one thought pulsed:
This game doesn’t interest me. I just want to keep Sorriso from falling.
César murmured, voice heavy and solemn:
“But to do that… you’ll have to face them all, one by one.”
Morgana, laughing softly:
“And I can’t wait to see who gets more obsessed with you… the huntress or the fiery redhead.”
Lukas ignored them both.
There was no room for distractions.
The next trial was coming.
End of Chapter 7