Nyx's POV
I stood in the center of the arena, suddenly aware of how exhausted I was. The adrenaline was draining away, leaving my legs shaky and my magical reserves dangerously low.
Kael was beside me instantly.
"You did it," he said quietly. Through the bond, his pride was overwhelming. "Nyx, you actually—you beat Lyra. An experienced Delta fighter. That's…"
"Insane?" I offered.
"Incredible." He was grinning. Actually grinning. "Do you understand what you just did? Most candidates train for months before they can hold their own against enhanced opponents. You did it in eight days."
"Because you taught me well."
"I taught you foundations. You built a whole damn house on top of them." He shook his head. "When you created ice on her hand—I've never seen anyone use magic that way in close combat. That was genius."
Around us, the observers were filing out. Some were still murmuring, casting glances back at me. But the tone had changed. Less skeptical.
