A perfect victory or not?
Ava's POV
As I stepped out of the ring, I heard whispers and murmurs all around. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, but I knew that many people weren’t happy I had won. I could feel their eyes on me, and I could hear the annoyed tones in their voices. Some people were already saying I’d somehow manipulated Anastasia or gotten lucky. If they knew what had really happened, they’d probably just twist it to make me the bad guy.
I should have been thrilled about my victory, but it felt… strange. It didn’t feel like a true win if my opponent let me win. Why would Anastasia, a strong fighter, suddenly hold back? She fought so fiercely in every other round. Was she trying to make me feel confused or unsure? I wanted answers, but I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get them.
“Yeeeee! Ava, you won!” Gwen cheered, jumping up and down in excitement. She looked like she might burst with happiness, circling around me like a little whirlwind.
“I’m so proud of you! You won!” She kept hugging me, practically bouncing, and I could see she was genuinely happy. Her joy softened some of my guilt, but I still felt weighed down. Was this why Anastasia gave in, to make me feel conflicted or unsure of my victory? Did she want me to feel obligated to her somehow?
“Ava?” Gwen said, looking at me curiously. “You don’t look very excited. Are you hurt?”
“No, I…”
She cut me off quickly. “That was a silly question, I’m sorry. Come sit down. Let me see if I can help.” She gently guided me to a bench.
The battles were still going on in the arena, and the crowd roared from time to time as another fight got intense. I tried to focus on the sounds, but my mind kept returning to my own match. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.
Gwen started searching her vest pockets. “Let me treat you,” she said, pulling out a small healing balm. I almost laughed at her persistence.
“Gwen, I’m okay,” I assured her, pointing to where I’d been cut. “It’s already healed.” I let her look at my side, where dried blood was the only sign of the wound that had been there earlier.
She looked at me in shock, her eyes wide. “But how? You’re already healed… I mean, weres and even Lycans don’t heal that fast. It usually takes hours.”
I shrugged, feeling a little sheepish. “I’m not really sure, honestly. I’ve always healed quickly. Maybe it’s just part of my abilities?”
Her jaw dropped a little, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. Gwen’s stunned look was priceless.
“You can even use magic! Are you really a werewolf?” she asked, half-joking and half-serious. She covered her mouth, like she was scared of what she’d just said.
“Ha… maybe I’m not,” I teased, laughing. “Maybe I’m a hybrid.”
Her eyes widened even more. “Don’t say things like that, Ava. That’s scary!”
“Relax, Gwen,” I said, still smiling. “I’m kidding! I’m just a regular werewolf, I promise. No hybrids here.”
She let out a sigh of relief and shook her head. “You’re too much sometimes.”
Just then, the voice of the high sorcerer boomed across the arena. “And with that, this year’s Arcane competition has been completed! The king will be holding a celebration at the palace, and all are invited!”
A huge cheer erupted from the crowd. Gwen and I looked at each other, and we both burst out laughing. After everything we’d been through, we hadn’t even noticed the final match end.
“We won, Ava,” Gwen said, her eyes shining with tears.
“Yes, pumpkin. We did.” I hugged her tightly. I couldn’t believe it either. We had both made it through, meaning we could each ask the king for anything we wanted, and he would grant it. It was like a dream.
“Hope I’m not interrupting anything,” a voice said from behind us. Gwen froze in my arms, her muscles tensing up immediately. I gave her a reassuring pat on the back and turned around to see who it was.
It was Anastasia.
“Hi, Ava,” she greeted me with a polite smile.
“Hi, Anastasia,” I replied, feeling unsure. So many questions raced through my mind, but I didn’t want to ask them here, not in front of Gwen, especially since she seemed uncomfortable with Anastasia’s presence.
“I just wanted to say thank you,” Anastasia said, her tone surprisingly warm.
I frowned. “Thank me? I didn’t do anything to deserve thanks.”
Her smile softened, and she nodded. “Yes, you did. I just wanted to tell you that.” Then, without another word, she turned and began walking away. I barely had time to respond, let alone ask the questions swirling in my mind.
But she stopped after taking a couple of steps, and I noticed her gaze shift. At first, I thought she was looking at me, but when I followed her line of sight, I realized she was staring at Gwen. There was something incredibly sad in her eyes, and Gwen’s expression mirrored it. They both looked like they were sharing some kind of secret, unspoken connection.
It was the kind of look I gave Raphael when I thought he wasn’t watching. A look full of things I wished I could say. Could it be? Could they have some kind of history together?
Anastasia’s voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, but I could still hear her. “I’m glad you’re doing well,” she said softly to Gwen, giving her a bittersweet smile before turning and walking away.
I was left stunned, watching their exchange in silence. What had I just witnessed? What kind of past did they share? When Anastasia was gone, Gwen finally relaxed in my arms, but her head was bowed, and I could tell she was fighting back tears. I shielded her from the curious stares of the other trainees who were watching us, hugging her closer. I didn’t know why, but I just couldn’t bear to see Gwen cry. She deserved happiness, just as much as anyone else.
“Gwen?” I lifted her chin gently, meeting her green eyes. They were shimmering with unshed tears, and I saw a sadness there that was almost haunting.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice shaky. I hugged her tightly, not knowing what she was apologizing for but hoping that my embrace would comfort her.
Just then, a tall figure appeared beside us. “My lady, the king seeks your presence.”
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