Chapter 23 · Dropped Into Witch Academy at Midnight - Chapter 23: Duel Under Blackout

Cassandra's ice blade stops three inches from my throat.

I can feel the cold coming off it. Sharp enough that the air between us crystallizes. The arena's gone dead quiet except for Lena's ragged breathing somewhere behind the barrier they've got her locked in.

The council's watching from the high seats. All five of them in their ridiculous robes. Waiting.

"Strike her," Councilor Thorne says. His voice echoes off the vaulted ceiling.

Cassandra doesn't move.

I meet her eyes. They're the same ice-gray as her blade but there's something else underneath. Something that makes my chest tight.

"What are you waiting for?" I ask. Quiet. Just for her.

Her jaw tightens. "Be silent."

"You're holding back."

"I said—"

"I'm not an idiot, Cassandra." I step forward. The ice blade presses against my skin now. Cold burns. "You've been pulling every hit since we started."

Her hand trembles. Just once. Fast enough that maybe the council didn't catch it.

But I did.

"Instructor Nightthorn." Thorne's voice cuts through. "If you cannot perform your duty, we will find someone who can."

Lena screams.

I spin toward the sound. They've got her in a containment circle on the far side of the arena.