Astrid's eyes were still on Jax.
He stood at the edge of the arena with his arms folded, watching the fight like it was the most boring spectacle he had ever been forced to attend.
No sign of concern on his face. No gesture of encouragement. No acknowledgment that the person bleeding in the arena was his student.
Just arms folded and eyes half-interested, as if the outcome had already been decided in his head and the rest was just a waste of his time.
And all of it pissed Astrid off beyond what she thought was possible. She was clenching her fists so hard the nails dug into her palms. Curses aimed at that unbothered bastard piling behind her teeth ready to be unleashed.
But her opponent interrupted.
"Lady Aleris, I would rather not injure you further." His voice carried genuine respect. Not mockery. Not arrogance. "You have already proven yourself by coming this far. But you know as well as I do that we are outmatched here. I would advise you to surrender."
