I thought about Natalia's ice spreading through our room. Skylar's knife against my throat in the dark. Emi's healing hands on my chest. Soomin's fox eyes glowing blue.
I thought about Raphael's barely contained rage and Juan's lazy genius and Isabelle's quiet calculations.
I thought about the conspiracy trying to kill us and the gods watching for entertainment and Apollo's cryptic warnings about the Director.
"No," I lied smoothly. "I'm excited."
Cel's fingers twitched against mine.
"Excited," Sterling echoed. "Not nervous at all?"
"Should I be?"
"The Argent Sentinels are gunning for you specifically. Julian Valerius has made that very clear in his interviews."
"Julian talks a lot. It's one of his less endearing qualities."
"He also has the backing of one of the wealthiest families in Valoria."
"Money doesn't win fights. Skill does."
"And you think the Onyx Hounds have more skill?"
"I know we do."
The audience roared approval.
