As the sun slanted low, casting the entire arena in molten gold and flame, anticipation swelled like a living thing among the stands. Names flashed across the spiritual bracket—a ripple of surprise ran through the crowd.
**Yue of the Dawning Blades vs. Ruan Shi of the Scarlet Thunder Sect.**
The Scarlet Thunder Sect's section erupted in raucous cheers and wolf-whistles as Ruan Shi swaggered onto the dueling stage. He was striking—broad-shouldered, wild-eyed, red-robed, his twin lightning daggers spinning restlessly between his fingers. The commentator's voice, amplified by spiritual arrays, crooned:
"Now, a clash between Dawning Blades' gentle flower and Scarlet Thunder's ferocious blade! Can grace stand against the storm?"
Yue stood beneath the afternoon blaze, her silver-white robes gleaming, sword gripped in steady hands. In her heart, nerves and pride tangled—a swirling knot of hope and fear. But her face was serene, eyes focused only on Ruan Shi. She glanced once toward the Dawning Blades' stand—Kai's gaze found hers. He gave the smallest nod, his own jaw tense, hands clenched white on his knees.
The referee raised his staff. "Begin!"
Ruan Shi moved like a snake loosed from a bottle—sudden, whip-fast, his daggers crackling with blue arcs. He darted in, blades crossing, aiming for Yue's throat. She met him with a spinning sweep, parrying the first strike, her sword ringing like crystal. Sparks and Qi flashed where steel met steel.
"Thought you'd be softer, princess!" Ruan Shi sneered. "I hope your pretty face looks good with scars!"
The crowd jeered and laughed. Yue ignored it, her world narrowing to the slice and blur of daggers. Each time Ruan Shi lunged, Yue danced back—light on her feet, parrying, circling, her blade a silver ribbon in the late sun. For several exchanges, she matched him step for step—deflecting, countering, scoring a quick, shallow cut on his forearm. The crowd gasped, surprised by her precision.
But Ruan Shi only grinned wider. "That all you got?" he taunted, voice low so only she could hear. "You should've stuck to playing at cultivation, little flower."
He surged, feinting left and then spinning right, one dagger flashing toward her side. Yue twisted—just barely fast enough. The blade grazed her sleeve, leaving a burning sting on her upper arm. She hissed in pain, jaw clenched.
In the stands, Kai's heart hammered. He felt every flinch, every cut. Beside him, even other Dawning Blades disciples whispered nervously.
*World Eye:* "He's toying with her, boy. He's not showing his real speed yet."
Yue's inner thoughts spiraled. *He's faster than anyone I've fought. I have to stay calm—watch the rhythm, don't panic…*
She attacked suddenly, stepping in, sword flashing in a shallow arc. Ruan Shi dodged, laughing, letting the blade pass inches from his throat. He countered with a savage downward strike—lightning bursting from his dagger, forcing Yue to throw herself aside. She rolled, came up fighting, but Ruan Shi pressed the advantage. Each blow came faster. Yue's sword caught the worst of them, but not all. A shallow gash opened along her thigh, blood soaking into her robe. The crowd roared approval—hungry for carnage.
"Had enough, Dawning Blades?" Ruan Shi taunted, circling her like a wolf. "Or is your sect just full of weaklings?"
Yue's vision blurred. *He's baiting me—don't fall for it, breathe…*
Kai stood now, breath shallow, eyes burning with helpless rage. Every ounce of him wanted to leap down and intervene, but his fists only trembled against the stone.
*World Eye:* "Sometimes, you must let them fall to rise again. Let her find her edge."
Yue drew deep on her courage, remembering her training. She braced, parried, then—drawing on the last of her strength—drove forward in a risky riposte. Her blade scored another line across Ruan Shi's cheek. The crowd gasped.
For a heartbeat, Yue thought she might turn the tide. But Ruan Shi's smile turned vicious. "Not bad. But it's over."
He feinted left, drew her defense high, then slashed low—dagger arcing up beneath her guard, pressing against the hollow of her throat.
The referee's voice was final: "Winner—Ruan Shi of Scarlet Thunder!"
A wild roar—some cheers, more jeers. Yue wavered on her feet, blood running down her arm and thigh. The world spun. She fell to one knee, sword trembling in her grip.
Ruan Shi bowed with mocking flourish. "Beautiful, but not enough."
Kai was already gone from the stands.
---
**After the Match**
Yue staggered from the dueling stage, vision swimming. The crowds blurred to a gray roar, faces a smear of scorn and admiration. But beneath the shadowed colonnade, Kai was waiting.
He caught her as she stumbled, gathering her gently into his arms. She tried to force a laugh. "I guess I'm not as good as I thought."
Kai's expression was stormy, voice low and fierce. "You're better. You stood your ground. Don't you dare let him steal your pride."
He half-carried her to a quiet bench, settling her beside him. Yue's breath was shallow, tears prickling at her eyes—not just from pain, but from the weight of disappointment and exhaustion.
Kai's hands were sure, careful as he tore a strip from his sleeve, pressing it to her wounds. He poured a salve over the cuts, fingers gentle as rain. Yue closed her eyes, feeling the heat of his body, the roughness of his palm.
"You hate losing," he said quietly.
"I hate making you worry." Her voice was barely a whisper.
He cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "You don't have to win for me. I just want you safe."
Yue let herself lean into him, head resting against his chest. The scent of his skin—iron, sweat, and something achingly familiar—steadied her.
She spoke through tears, voice shaking: "You'll beat him, won't you?"
Kai's voice was softer, deadlier. "He won't touch you again."
They sat together as the arena emptied, a long hush settling over the grounds. Kai's arm wrapped around her, shielding her from the world's noise, from her own doubts.
For a moment, it was enough—enough to be held, to be seen, to know she was not alone in her fall.
The sun vanished behind the mountains, leaving only dusk and the quiet promise of vengeance.