Page 100

Exultantly, the Vraxian stood over her.

“Do you see now, vermin? Do you understand the truth? Vraxians are superior to humans.” Her lip curled. “Look at you, cowering at my feet like the pathetic loser you are.”

Kara breathed through her pain. And when she rolled onto her back, Layahn was disconcerted to see she was smiling.

“And look at you, so preoccupied with humiliating me you aren’t watching where you’re going.”

Layan’s head whipped round and her eyes widened in disbelief. Her foot was on the red boundary of the circle.

She realized in that moment that Kara had played her. She’d used Layahn’s vindictive hatred against her and almost led her to defeat.

Almost. But not quite.

She hadn’t stepped over the line, thank Ayanlesh. Touching it didn’t count.

“Nice try,” she said. “You almost had me.”

Kara’s grin widened.

“Oh, I definitely have you.”

Without warning she executed a perfect flip, kicking up to her feet in one smooth movement. Using her momentum, she pivoted in a graceful arc and landed her foot squarely in Layahn’s groin.

The crowd erupted as the Vraxian was shoved out of the ring.

Kara sank to the ground, her knees suddenly weak in the aftermath of all that adrenaline. Blood trickled into her eyes and her ribs ached. In fact her entire body was one giant knot of pain.

But nothing could dampen the sheer, unmitigated joy that engulfed her.

“No! NO!”

Layahn screamed in rage and charged towards Kara but was halted forcefully by Ela, who stepped between them.

“Stand down, Lady Vantrax,” she ordered. “It’s over.”

“She tricked me!”

“She beat you fair and square.” The general turned to Kara. “On your feet, soldier.”

Kara staggered upright, every muscle protesting.

Sweet Jesus. I can barely stand.

Her eyes automatically sought Vahn on the other side of the arena. He was staring at her with an intensity which drove all thoughts of discomfort from her head. Their gazes locked and she couldn’t look away.

She didn’t register when Layahn was led from the arena, still arguing over her defeat. She barely winced when Ela grabbed her sore wrist and held it aloft. And she certainly didn’t hear the reaction of the crowd as she was declared the winner.

She only saw the look on Vahn’s face.

And knew in that moment it had all been worth it.

Forty Five

Kara was waiting when Hespia and Vysh returned to the Potentials’ quarters for the last time. The two Vraxians had been summoned to see the Zhaal the morning after the final challenge.

Vysh already knew why and Hespia suspected.

“He’s going to tell us he’s chosen you, isn’t he?” she asked Kara. “He’s not even going to try to get to know us.”