{Third Person}
~**^**~
Elira stepped out into the blinding light of the arena. Her red hair glowed like fire under the sun.
Her uniform jacket had been modified for combat—sleeveless, flexible, and trimmed in silver. The faint burn of magic pulsed beneath her skin; her wolf, Selene, stirred restlessly.
"Let them see you," Selene whispered in her mind. "Let them see what they tried to bury."
Elira lifted her chin and walked forward, feeling the weight of thousands of eyes on her.
Somewhere in the sea of professors, she caught Zenon's gaze that was like cold steel wrapped in quiet pride.
Lennon winked, and Rennon offered a small, grounding nod.
Then the Vice Chancellor's voice continued:
"Second-year student, "Cassian…"
"Third-year student, Orion…"
And on, until all ten stood side by side, forming a powerful line across the arena floor.
