I brushed the sweat off my forehead as I exited the pit, the sounds of the audience's applause still resonating in my ears. My body felt agile—untouched, powerful. The excitement of triumph vibrated beneath my skin. I had successfully passed the first round, and even better, I managed to do so with minimal damage.
Sienna was the first to come to me, almost throwing herself into my embrace.
"You did it!" she said, her voice breathless with relief. "And you barely got hit!"
Camille, standing just behind her, smirked. "Not bad! Though I expected a little more flair. Maybe a backflip?" Despite her teasing, the tension in her shoulders had eased, and I knew she had been just as worried.
Alexis, arms crossed, gave me an approving nod. "Good! This was efficient. I expected no less."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I wasn't going for a spectacle. Just survival."