#Chapter 99: Sacrifice

Rowena

The roar of the crowd was deafening as Emma and I made our way through the tunnels toward the main arena. I could feel the vibrations of thousands of stomping feet even from here, and it made my heart pound in anticipation.

Inside of me, my wolf was practically roiling with excitement; I had grown used to her presence over the passing days, although it felt completely and utterly natural from the beginning.

“Are you ready for this?” Emma asked with a grin, giving my arm an excited squeeze.

I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. “As long as I’ve got you by my side,” I replied.

When we finally emerged into the bright stadium lights, I had to blink a few times to adjust. The massive arena stretched out like a desert in front of us, the sandy pit already prepped for the combat rounds. Lining the walls were the colorful pavilions and banners for each warrior and manager pair.

My gaze immediately found Eric, standing tall and proud beside his pavilion across the way. He caught