I watched as the glyphs pulsed, and a small flare of energy sealed the challenge.
Sherin's tone softened slightly. "The duel will be tomorrow, at midday, in the South Courtyard as usual. Varen will be notified immediately."
I nodded. "Thank you."
As I turned to leave, she added, "Micah—"
I looked back.
"Varen has never lost a challenge," he said quietly. "Not once."
I smiled faintly. "Then it'll be a first."
The moment I stepped out of the hall, Rikan was waiting by the entrance with his arms folded.
"You did it, didn't you?"
"Yes."
He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "You really don't know how to take a break."
Kael appeared beside him, wide-eyed. "You challenged Varen?"
I nodded.
Linou clutched his chest dramatically. "Saints preserve us. We're going to have to sit through another heart attack of a duel."
"Relax," I said, starting down the steps. "It's not today. It's tomorrow."
Teshan fell into step beside me. "That's barely any difference."
