Kael rose from the bench and lifted his arm in a silent signal to Ausma. The falcon held his gaze for a long, steady moment, his golden eyes reflecting something almost human. Then, with a sharp beat of his wings, Ausma launched upward, slicing through the air.

  Kael chuckled softly as he watched Ausma disappear into the sky. Then he turned toward the arena, his expression firm and free of doubt.

  When he returned to the forecourt, he immediately spotted Lia and Zaros. They stood exactly where he’d last seen them. This time, they noticed him, too. They marched straight toward him.

  Their expressions, half worry and half irritation, made Kael smile despite everything.

  “Where were you?” Lia demanded the moment she reached him. Her voice was tight with concern as her eyes swept over the bandages peeking through his clothes.

  "Nice to see you, too," Kael teased, but he stopped when her expression didn't soften. He sighed. "I'm sorry. I needed some fresh air. Just a moment to myself.”

  "You're a little late for that," Zaros said with a hint of amusement in his voice, though worry lingered in his eyes. He pointed at Lia. "This girl got angrier with every passing minute. At one point, she walked up to the guards and told them to move because she needed to find you. You should’ve seen their faces.”

  He burst into laughter at the memory.

  Lia made a sulky face. "Those brutes just can't understand a woman's feelings," she muttered under her breath, then turned to Kael, who looked genuinely surprised. "I just wanted to check on you, to see how you were doing," she said softly.

  Then she pulled a small vial from her pocket and pressed it into his hand. "Here. I made this potion yesterday. It should speed up your healing far better than whatever they’ll give you in the infirmary.” She smiled brightly. "Pretty cool, right?" Now, you won't have to waste time going there. You can stay with us instead.”

  Kael frowned. "What do you mean?" he asked irritably. "I still have to fight in the last round in a few minutes."

  Lia froze. "What?" she shouted, loud enough that several nearby students turned their heads. "You still want to fight with those injuries? Since when are you such an idiot?"

  Her voice rose higher and higher, drawing more and more eyes by the second.

  "Lia, please," Kael said, trying to calm her down. "I know how bad my injuries are, but I need to do this. It’s important.”

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  “What’s important?” she shot back, her frustration boiling over. "Information about the Other District? About her? Is that worth destroying your body? No, I can't understand it at all.”

  Kael opened his mouth to respond, but she spun around before he could.

  “Fine. If that’s what you want, then do it,” she said sharply. "But I won't stand there and watch one of my best friends tear himself apart over something that will only cause trouble."

  Then she turned and ran, her hat fluttering wildly in the wind as she disappeared into the crowd.

  Kael watched Lia disappear but didn't call after her. He simply exhaled long and tiredly, then turned to Zaros, who had remained silent throughout the entire argument.

  “So?” Kael asked, his voice hollow. "Are you also going to tell me this is a bad idea? That I should withdraw?”

  Zaros’s expression softened. "As your best friend? Yeah, I agree with Lia. You should stay out of the final round.” He crossed his arms. "Neither of your fights went the way you wanted. But you proved yourself. Everyone saw what you’re capable of. This last round won't get you anything."

  Kael closed his eyes, expecting this answer. But Zaros wasn’t finished.

  "But as a warrior," Zaros continued, his voice shifting, "I get it."

  Kael opened his eyes again, surprised.

  "That pull toward a fight," Zaros said quietly. "That hunger to win. Every fighter has it buried somewhere in them. So no, I won’t tell you what you think I’m about to.” He held Kael’s gaze. "But I will tell you to be aware of what might happen. That’s the least I can ask.”

  Kael stared at him, taken aback. "Thanks, man," he muttered, his features softening with gratitude.

  Zaros sighed. "Honestly? I just wanted to tell you not to lose yourself.” He studied Kael’s face carefully. "Your expression after fighting Taro said everything. You looked ready to throw your life away. I’m guessing Liam’s at the center of it.”

  Kael gave a humorless chuckle. "You weren't wrong. After the fight, I was consumed by nothing but hate. I didn’t care about anything else. I just wanted revenge, no matter what it did to my body.”

  Zaros’s expression darkened with worry, but Kael shook his head.

  "It's fine," he said quietly. "Someone helped clear my head. They pulled me out before I went too far.” A small, determined smile tugged at his lips. "Now I know what I'm doing. I know what I’m aiming for. And I will make it through this.”

  Zaros seemed satisfied. The clarity in Kael’s eyes and the absence of the earlier darkness were enough for him. He nodded firmly.

  "Good," he said, placing both hands on Kael’s shoulders. "Then fight well. Focus on your own strength instead of exploiting someone else’s weakness. Find your own will to fight. That’s what will carry you through.”

  His gaze drifted toward the direction Lia had run, and his expression softened with sympathy.

  "Don't worry about her," he added. "I'll talk to her. She’ll understand eventually.”

  Kael’s shoulders relaxed and a tired smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you. Really. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Zaros grinned and bumped fists with Kael. "Then don't make me regret believing in you."

  With that, Zaros turned and jogged after Lia, leaving Kael standing alone again.

  Kael watched him go, chuckling under his breath. Then he entered the arena, whose archway was flooded with noise and anticipation. His expression sharpened.

  My own will to fight... he exhaled slowly.

  Easier said than found.