MURDER

     I sat down, pulling my hood up against the biting cold. Sura and Mira were on the lowest row, still talking and chuckling. Leo was behind me, in the upper row, dressed in a dark blue coat with silver buttons and a matching tricorne hat.

Haruko settled next to me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. In the arena below, Ela and Jacob were already in position, and Mr. Vlad was explaining the rules with his usual stern demeanor. They were signing a waiver that essentially said, 'If I die in the arena, it's my own responsibility,' ensuring that the school held no liability for any fatalities. The fight wouldn't begin for at least another ten minutes, giving everyone enough time to find their seats.

"Ela is going to annihilate Jacob," a student behind us whispered. "She has the highest mana in the school."

"Jacob is strong too," another student countered. "He might not have as much mana, but his sword skills are unmatched."