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But he hesitates because the first ring has already side on to face us and so he has missed the best point to anticipate the ju his foot to the floor

I spring past hi the curve I shove off withbefore Kalliarkos has even left the platfor He is not halfway along as I scrarab the victor’s ribbon at the top of the tower The feel of the cloth in ets old, even on the practice court

This is how it should be

This is what I live for

17

Grinning seems like a child’s cheap boast but I can’t help it By the way the spectators are staring I can tell I have surprised them

Kalliarkos reaches the ladder and with a hand on the lowest rung calls up, "You didn’t even hesitate! How do you do that?"

His face is so open and welco I like his eyes, the way they flare, how dark they are, the thick curl of his eyelashes There is a se on his cheek I would wipe clean in a comradely way if he were an ordinary adversary, but I never could touch a lord like hi, I clih tie in Once you decide, you can’t hesitate"

"That’s exactly what I’hs as if he doesn’t care that I’ve beaten him "You have it all in your head already Now you just have to teach me"

A bird has been trapped inside uess now that I’ether every day if you want"

Then I hateht?" His brows dran in concern

I look around but we’re still alone "It was a shock to leave ainst the ladder like we have all day to gossip "Do you really have three sisters and no brothers? What’s to become of them?"

"I don’t know," I mutter as my jubilation shatters into dread Yet it astoundshere is a great opportunity for you I can give you news about your father’s caive to your family"

I must blink ten times as his words sink in If I pass muster, Garon Stable is the best place I could be

He smiles as if iven "Didn’t you already think of that?"