Mayo and Matilda released Larissa's hand and she just leaned with a small nod.
No excessive triumph in her expression. No dramatic relief.
Only quiet confirmation that her calculations had been correct from the start. That the result had been exactly what she'd anticipated before the battle even began.
Mayo and Matilda withdrew from the field with expressions mixing frustration and acceptance. They'd lost decisively. But they'd given a decent battle with what they had available. There was no real shame in that outcome.
"Good luck with your inevitable humiliation!" Mayo called back from the distance with a cheerful wave.
Larissa nodded toward them politely while deliberately ignoring the continued nonsense.
But despite everything, there was respect between the warriors. Even in defeat, they maintained their dignity and camaraderie.
♢♢♢♢
TWO BRACKETS EARLIER
The Master had announced the pairing with a voice that resonated across the field.
