I feel… dizzy…
That was the first thing that hit her the moment she stepped onto the stage.
The noise.
It wasn't just loud—it was overwhelming.
The music blaring, the crowd roaring, voices overlapping into something that didn't even sound human anymore.
It pressed into her ears, into her chest, into her thoughts.
And then there were the eyes.
So many of them.
Judging.
Reina tightened her grip on her sword.
Across from her, Den stood ready. From the outside, he looked composed, steady—but she could see it. The slight tremble in his stance, the tension in his shoulders.
He was nervous too.
That should've helped.
But it didn't.
Because for Reina… it wasn't the same.
The expectations on her were heavier.
Being Riley's little sister wasn't something people ignored.
Whether she wanted it or not, it followed her everywhere.
Every step she took, every match she fought—it all came with that unspoken comparison.
Is she really that good?
Or is it just because of him?
