After the hall finally emptied, the Combat Space shimmered faintly and both participants were extracted.
Two beams of soft white light materialized near the center of the hall. When the glow faded, Michael and Rynne appeared on the platform.
Rynne's body was still limp, her breathing shallow but stable. Michael, on the other hand, was standing straight, calm as always. The long robe that had been covering Rynne was still wrapped around her.
Yara stepped forward immediately, her boots echoing against the marble floor.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then she said, her voice even but edged with restraint, "You did well, Michael Norman. But from here on, I'll handle things."
Michael gave a simple nod. But before he could speak, Yara held out her hand. "The robe stays."Michael didn't argue. With a small shrug, he made his way out of the combat hall.
Since he was top one again, Michael's rights to the villa were returned to him.
