By the time the fight ended, I was sore all over.


    I won. **Barely.**


    Selene only grinned wider.


    **"That was fun. We should do it again sometime."**


    Stolen novel; please report.


    **"No thanks,"** I muttered, rubbing my bruises.


    She threw an arm around my shoulder.


    **"Too bad. We’re rivals now!"**


    …Great. Just what I needed.


    As I limped out of the training grounds, I noticed someone watching me.


    A girl with long, silver hair and piercing violet eyes.


    **Elaine von Arden.**


    The **Ice Witch** of the Seven Prodigies.


    She was standing at the edge of the training grounds, observing me with an unreadable expression.


    Then, without a word, she turned and walked away.


    *What was that about?*


    I had a feeling I’d be seeing her again soon.


    ---