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CHAPTER 69
~Spring's POV~
I cracked my knuckles once beneath the table.
Across from me, Lilith didn't blink. Her lips were curled just barely upward, and her eyes were fixed on the board with predator-like stillness.
Jace stepped forward. "Begin."
The cards spread out automatically into a 6-by-5 grid, floating just above the table surface. Their glowing backs pulsed like heartbeats.
I moved first.
Round One.
I tapped two cards.
First: a glowing silver triangle rune.
Second: a jagged gold bolt rune.
No match.
"One strike," Raphael announced, his voice flat from the upper box.
I exhaled slowly.
Lilith moved after me.
She tapped two cards: first, a fire rune and then, another fire rune.
"Match: Lilith—one," Raphael intoned.
A low hum of reaction swept through the audience. Lilith looked at me once, eyes sharp.
Round Two.
I kept my focus tight, ignoring the adrenaline that threatened to disrupt my recall.
