"Oh." Willow blinked. "That sounds better, I guess."
"I'm participating in the competition too," Ezrik said casually. "I heard you two are joining as well. Don't die."
The last part came out harder. More like a warning than a joke.
"You too," Willow shot back, narrowing her eyes.
Ezrik only winked.
"I heard the competition starts in two days," Evren said, glancing between them. "And once it's over, we've got exams, then the session ends."
Ezrik's smugness faded, replaced by something sharper. "Which means we have less than five weeks to get this over with." His eyes lingered on Willow, hesitant now. "Will you come watch my fight tomorrow night?"
Willow blinked. "That fighting ring? Why would I do that? You broke that guy's neck.... you're banned, aren't you?" Her gaze flicked to Zira and Ashar, still asleep, just to make sure Ezrik hadn't accidentally killed them.
