Both Selene and Liora exchanged startled looks, plainly taken aback by the boldness of the challenge.
Kyva, however, understood that Vera was not seeking a fair contest, only an occasion to disgrace her before all. Yet Kyva had long since resolved upon one thing; she would no longer suffer herself to be made a spectacle for another's amusement.
"For your information, I'm not afraid of you," Kyva said at last, her words making the smile on Vera's lips falter. "I did not leave because I fear you. Quite the contrary.I withdrew because your presence is a vexation to me, and I have no desire to endure the sight of you longer than necessity demands."
Though the words flowed plainly, it bore a sharpness that did not go unnoticed. A faint hush followed her words, as though the people gathered could not comprehend the fact that she actually had a voice.
Vera's expression stilled.
