The third afternoon of the tournament preliminaries brought a sweltering, stagnant heat to Arena Two. The midday sun baked the stone viewing stands, making the air above the sand shimmer. Alicia Raven stood perfectly still in the center of the ring, the heavy, embroidered fabric of her academy uniform still crisp despite the rising temperature.
Before she even drew her casting focus, she looked toward the spectator railing.
She didn't search for her family's retainers or glance at her classmates. Her sharp eyes cut through the crowd until they locked directly onto Alex, who was leaning against the iron railing beside Emma, Ariana, and Professor Sylvia.
When Alex met her gaze, Alicia pointed a single, perfectly manicured finger at him, her expression carrying an unmistakable aristocratic command. She didn't need to say anything.
Do not look away.
Alex raised an eyebrow, but he didn't break eye contact. He gave her a slow, deliberate nod.
