"Power isn't given—it's earned under watchful eyes."
The announcement spread like wildfire. By noon, every student knew. By evening, speculation had reached fever pitch.
Alliance Duel. Random partner assignments. Elimination format.
I sat in the library with Caleb and Celeste. Surrounded by books on pack tactics and partnership dynamics. Trying to prepare for every possible scenario.
"The randomization is the key," Caleb said. Tapping a page covered in notes. "They want to see if you can work with someone besides Darius. Prove the bond hasn't made you dependent."
"I can work with anyone," I said. "I trained with you. With Celeste. With half the academy at some point."
"Training is different than actual combat evaluation. Stakes are different. Pressure is different." He looked at me seriously. "If you get partnered with someone hostile or incompetent, you could be eliminated in the first round. And Katheris is counting on that."
"You think the assignments will be rigged?"
