[Ivan]
Ivan's whole body was like jelly. The weight of the whole plan on his shoulders was dragging him underneath. Not only did he have to be powerful, but he had to be quick. Almost as quick as Lily, preferably. How the hell was he supposed to do that?
"You don't need to be like Lily," the captain had reminded him earlier when they were called to enter the arena. "You've got a speed of your own kind, Ivan. Believe and trust in yourself."
That was little help. But at the very least, when Lily had held his cheeks seconds ago, he felt a sense of surety and courage flood in him like a stream. Perhaps it was the golden glow of her eyes, overflowing with certainty and utter belief in him. She looked as if she honestly knew he could do this, that he was capable enough. And why wouldn't she? She was his friend.
