31. 31 #3
More finlings compete, and the further the battles go, more blood is spilled.
My nerves shake more than they ever have.
Carella is in the other chamber. Once this duel is complete, it will be our turn.
A small relief; at least she hasn’t had the chance to size me up this whole time.
While everyone else has fought, I’ve been observing intently, learning new ways to sidestep, dodge a strike, or vanish from an opponent’s sight, even if only for a moment.
Discovering the skill of commanding the waves that surround me is a wonderful development, but I haven’t been able to replicate it with the same intensity that hurled Orion into the basalt pillars.
There’s no anger left in me, only nervousness.
Maybe even petrified nervousness. I'm larger than most of my opponents, but Carella isn't small.
Trying to disappear from her sight to land an attack might be impossible, and the sheer length of my tail is bound to get in the way.
I assume they paired us because Carella is the closest match to me physically, at least where strength and muscle are concerned.
It makes sense, though, when one of us falls, the rest will face the “top dog” to determine the strongest. I’m not trying to be the best. I just want to survive, return to my penthouse, and hope this is all one massive nightmare.
“Final duel commencing soon. Please make your way over.” Zevrin’s voice comes from the other chamber.
Aniah and I swim together toward the archway. Some spectators drift away, but most stay, eager for blood. Whispers slip past my ears as I move through them.
“She won’t live through this.”
“Carella’s ready to destroy her.”
I force a deep breath, squeezing myself between the crowd packed along the chamber walls.
The space feels even smaller now, brimming with tension.
In the back corner stands Zevrin—and to my surprise, Nyxalene is at his side.
She gives me a grim smile, one I can’t read.
I'm unsure as to when she arrived, but I won't deny that part of me relaxes knowing she's here.
Carella waits across from the entrance, eyes locked on me. She stares upward—because even with her size, I still tower above her. My size should be making her feel intimidated, but it doesn't; if anything, it seems to strengthen her confidence.
Aniah and Defymin settle near Zevrin, while Keil is nowhere in sight. Did he win his duel? I’ll have to ask later—if I get the chance.
My focus sharpens on Carella’s stance, but a shrill scream slices through the water, snapping every head toward Nyxalene.
“The king couldn't be in attendance for tonight’s duel.
That doesn't mean you have the right to disrespect his guest. Those lingering at the archway's entrance, please wait outside in the training cavern until the results are announced.
Everyone else, maintain proper distance and allow the opponents room to battle.
If you cannot do so, you may also depart. "
Murmurs ripple through the crowd, but they quickly die under her glare. A few Neravyn drift reluctantly toward the main cavern, while the rest press themselves back against the chamber walls, leaving enough room for the fight. The tension thickens and the water pulls tight around us.
There is no horn this time to signal the match. It's triggered the moment I cross into the ring where Carella waits, armed and positioned.
I anchor my grip on my daggers, sinking into my stance, but she wastes no time. Her first strike comes with brutal precision, the blade slicing across my shoulder. Pain flares hot, but as quickly as she strikes me, the wound knits closed, my body mending itself.
She sneers and comes again. Faster now, a storm of steel and muscle.
I deflect, twist, and retreat. The edges of her weapon graze me again and again. Each cut stings, but none of them keep me down. My breathing grows more laborious, not from weakness, but from the endless rhythm of her attacks. She’s relentless.
“You think being the king’s little pet will save you?” she spits, circling me. “You don't belong here, human.” Her words cut sharper than her blade.
The word ignites me like a spark on oil. Pet. Human.
My fists clench harder around the hilts of my daggers, my jaw locking as heat flares in my chest. The careful rhythm Orion drilled into me falters, unraveling under the weight of her taunts.
My fury surges, and the ocean answers. A violent wave forms from my command, ripping across the chamber with a roar.
Carella has no time to react. She’s thrown like driftwood into the back corner, colliding with Zevrin and Defymin.
They crash in a tangled heap. Nyxalene, ever watchful, darts aside just before the surge slams into them, her sharp gaze never leaving me.
I don’t even glance at Carella’s wrecked form. She won’t recover quickly, not from that. My pulse still thrums with fury as I lift my hand, flash her the middle finger, and let the weight of my tail guide my turn. With one hard sweep, I cut through the water, gliding out of the chamber.
Aniah follows close on my wake. Behind us, the wreckage of the duel is left for Zevrin and Defymin to untangle.