The words hit him harder than any blow.
"She's doing this for you," Artemis said quietly.
Kael felt the ground tilt beneath his feet.
He didn't remember moving, only that his voice reached Mia before his thoughts settled. "Mia, Don't be stupid," he said, sharper than he meant. "I'm fine the way I am. I have summons. I'm alive. I don't need a mana core."
Mia didn't turn around. She didn't hesitate.
"I've already accepted the challenge," she replied. "I'm not backing down."
Kael looked at Artemis, desperate for another answer, another path. She shook her head slowly and gestured toward Kukulkan and the warriors surrounding the arena.
"They just swore a blood oath," she said. "If we withdraw now, I highly doubt they will let us leave in peace."
