They posted the scores on three boards at once: main court, drill yard, dining hall. The yard filled shoulder to shoulder; talk ran fast and quiet.
"First: Cael Veyron."
Respect made a low sound. Cael inclined his head like he was acknowledging a well-set column.
"Second: Armand Valcrey."
For a heartbeat, the yard didn't know what to do with that. Then the clap started where competence lives and spread when people realized they were allowed to be honest. Somewhere a boy blurted "no way" and closed his mouth when nobody joined him.
"Third: Elara Thornfield." She stood a shade taller without moving.
"Fourth: Marcus Ravencrest." He met my eyes and tipped his chin a fraction—clean work recognizes clean work.
"Fifth: Ariadne Valcrey." A ripple. Ariadne didn't change face; the set of her shoulders eased half a breath.
