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“Alexandra Jennings fought like one of us,” Trell continued, her voice louder now, determined. “Did she surprise me? Yes. But there are no rules that forbid a human from walking the shadows if they have the capacity to do so, therefore nothing she did can be considered cheating.” Trell cast her eyes up to the elders and finished, this time in the common tongue, “If you choose to disqualify her, I will not accept the victory. She won fairly and deserves the honour owed to her.”

Trell released Alex’s hand and the two of them stood side by side in unexpected solidarity to await the elders’ response as they conferred with each other.

It was Azalia who stepped forward to address the crowd, and Alex felt her stomach drop, fully aware of the female’s disfavour towards her.

“We stand by our decision,” Azalia called, prompting Alex’s shoulders to loosen with relief. “Trell Roven will keep her title as victor of thevatali targo, having successfully completed each stage of the trials, but Alexandra Jennings will be considered the winner of this unrelated match. You both fought well. Congratulations.”

Struggling to believe she’d actually done it, as the crowd began murmuring their begrudging acceptance, Alex turned to Trell. “Thank you. You didn’t have to defend me.”

“I could not have lived with the shame of accepting an unearned victory,” Trell returned quietly. “You are an impressive warrior, Alexandra Jennings. I hope we have the chance to cross blades again in the future.”

Alex actually managed a laugh as she replied, “If you can get your hands on another one of these rings for me, preferably with more than one walk available, then you’re on. If not, no chance.”

Trell’s face lit with amusement. “I’ll see what I can do.”

As mad as it was, part of Alex almost hoped Trell would be able to find her another ring. But that was probably just the high of the victory speaking, since she was certain once the adrenaline wore off and her aches took centre stage, she’d never want to see another Shadow Walker again, let alone fight one.

“Come with me, Alexandra,” said Shirez, who appeared at Alex’s side as Trell moved away. She shoved a wad of gauzy material into Alex’s bleeding hand and told her, “The elders will see you now.”

Alex tightened her fist around the material in an effort to staunch her wound. “Now?”

Shirez didn’t try and push Alex through the crowd, instead she just shadowed her straight up to the balcony. When they were in their new location, she simply said, “Yes.Now.”

With a quick glare at the prickly Shadow Walker, Alex straightened her fight-rumpled clothes, wrapped the wadded material around her hand in a makeshift pressure bandage and stepped towards the elders who were staring at her from their extravagant seats.

“You are full of surprises, Alexandra Jennings,” Azalia said as she approached. Her tone was caustic, telling Alex exactly how she felt about surprises.

“Nevertheless,” Saber said, a hint of respect in his uniquely pale eyes, “you have earned our ears. So speak, human, and we shall listen.”

And finally—finally—Alex spoke.

Twenty-Nine

“What do you suppose is taking themso long?” Jordan asked later that afternoon—much,muchlater.

Alex was pacing the balcony from where her friends had viewed her fight, with the three of them and Soraya watching her restless up-and-down wanderings.

“I wish I knew,” Alex answered. “They just said they needed time to consider everything before they make a decision.” She ran her hands through her hair in agitation, wincing when her wounded hand throbbed in protest.

“It’s beenhours,” D.C. said. “What can they possibly need to consider? Aven is a bad guy who needs to be stopped. The end.”

Alex shook her head, not knowing how else to respond. She’d done everything she could to explain the situation to the elders, including telling them that the Dayriders were willing to ally themselves with the humans provided that the Shadow Walkers did so, too. All she could do now was wait. And hope.

‘Whatever happens, kitten, you’ve done all you possibly can. It’s out of your hands now.’ That was what Niyx had told Alex when she’d checked in with him after her fight, sharing the result and apologising for the wounds she wouldn’t be able to treat until she returned to the academy. He hadn’t cared about his mirrored injuries—he’d been more worried about her. But he also hadn’t been as surprised as she that she’d actually won her fight, and she’d felt his pride clearly through their bond.

“Maybe it’s good they’re taking their time,” Bear said, tapping his foot nervously from his seated position. “For all we know, they’re coming up with some kind of strategy as we speak.”

Alex was grateful for Bear’s optimism, especially since she was struggling to maintain her own.

“I hope you’re right,” Alex said quietly, only stopping her pacing when Soraya moved closer and pressed her furry head into Alex’s abdomen. Looking down at her faithful companion, Alex couldn’t resist a smile, grateful for the comfort the wolf somehow sensed she needed.

“I still can’t believe how kickass you were down there,” Bear said, wonder clear in his tone. “I’ve never seen anything like that. You and Trell…” He trailed off, shaking his head in amazement.

Jordan nodded. “Definitely epic.”

“You’ll have to teach me some of your moves,” D.C. said. Seeing the looks on Jordan and Bear’s faces, she amended, “You’ll have to teach all of us.”

Alex managed a half smile at the idea of subjecting her three friends to even a fraction of what Niyx put her through. “I’m not sure you’d say that if you knew what that teaching would involve.”