"Chance will choose your partner," said the principal , and a collective gasp rippled through the assembly.
I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach. The uncertainty of not knowing who my partner would be added a new layer of complexity to the competition. I glanced around at my teammates, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The principal began to call out names, and one by one, pairs were formed by the whims of fate. I held my breath, waiting for my turn, wondering who chance would tether me to in this dance of swords and strategy.
When my name was finally called, I stepped forward, my heart pounding in my chest. The next name would be my partner, my ally in the battles to come. The principal's voice rang out, and I turned to see who fate had chosen for me.
It was Lydia.
