Noah's world froze.
He didn't hear the first few gasps from the balconies as the other students' eyes widened at the fixture.
Two former friends meeting in the ring? Very exciting.
But all Noah could hear was only the last name.
"Arlo Kael!"
He froze where he stood. The name rang like a bell, feeling like ice water had been poured over his head.
It was cold and clarifying, like a truth he hadn't even known existed had been revealed.
For a half breath he thought he'd misheard the name. That some other Kael existed on campus.
Then Professor Oliver repeated it, his voice ricocheting around the high ceiling of the arena.
Arlo was already moving down to the ring, hand grazing the rail, steps sure as if there wasn't a blindfold over his face.
Halfway down the stairs he turned, sensing that Noah hadn't followed behind him.
A slight frown appeared on his face. He glanced down at Professor Oliver, then back up at Noah.
