Helanie:
Darius had his father and other senior pack members with him. They never said out loud who they supported, but they had probably come with him because they thought he would win. And they didn't want to lose such a strong alliance once he did.
I stepped into the arena, and the brothers went ahead to sit with their father. My mother hadn't come.
Darcy and Emma were treating this battle like entertainment, with popcorn and drinks in their hands. Charlotte sat with them, but she didn't look as mean as before. She even mouthed *'Best of luck'* to me.
The noise was deafening, but I didn't hear it. All I could focus on was the space between me and Darius.
The arena was wide open. No walls to hide behind, no way out. Just me, him, and the eyes of everyone around us.
The heat of the sun beat down on us, making the dirt feel even hotter under my shoes.
