SIGRID

They called out to the long platform where the contestants fought while Alessandre watched, looking utterly bored, from a seat at the top of the stairs.

"The winner is Amelandra Grumon!"

Cheers erupted for a proud-looking redhead who was throwing flirtatious glances at our great-uncle.

Honestly, all of this seemed so ridiculous to me.

"Next contestants, Petra Sole and Electra De la Croix!"

Well, time to vent some of this frustration.

I climbed the wooden steps and took my place at one end, while she stood at the other. Her smug little smirk was really getting on my nerves.

The glass dome that protected the rest of the hall from stray spells began to rise and seal above our heads.

"Let the fight begin!"

The moment the signal was given, she lunged at me like a hyena.

We clashed in hand-to-hand combat—kick, dodge, punch, dodge...

I spun out of her grip and slammed a devastating elbow into her ribs. I heard them crack.

At this close range, this woman was no match for me.

I reached