Xander held his gaze for a long moment.
He had spent two years as Student Council President.
In that position, you learned the difference between a student who fought for glory, a student who fought because their family demanded it, and a student who fought because they were terrified of being small.
Lucian Ash wasn't any of those things anymore.
"You're not training to beat me," Xander said softly.
The earlier competitive edge in his voice had vanished, replaced by a flat, sober observation.
Lucian picked up his jacket from the bench, pulling his arms through the sleeves. He didn't look up.
"No."
"You don't care about the brackets for the Games, either," Xander continued, stepping around the mat to get a clear look at Lucian's face.
"You don't care if House Ash gets a seat on the High Council, and you don't care if the Apprentice evaluators mark you down for aggressive form."
Lucian reached down pulling the zipper tight to his collar.
