Jack's eyes narrowed as he processed the announcement. "Great. Just great! Why the hell did I get paired with someone from the Church?" His fists tightened, and he resisted the urge to curse out loud. 'It's like this damn world is actively trying to get me killed… And it's not just anybody I'm up against; it's her. The weird girl.'
He inhaled deeply, reigning in his frustration. Maintaining a calm composure had become second nature to him over the years, and he was determined to keep that mask in place now.
The arena buzzed with murmurs as the mysterious pair took their places on the platform. Alisha, the girl from the Church, regarded him with a soft, almost serene expression, though her gaze carried a distinct sharpness.
