Her anger mounted that they would dare slight him so, but she forced it down. Something that was helped when she glanced to her side. Instead of being empty, it was filled with her new family. Kiara and Thia were next to Caillen, Desideria, and Chayden. Zarya and Ture were there, but Darling, Maris, Drake, and Ryn had stayed with Hauk so that they could try and keep him sane while she fought.

Shahara, Devyn, and Vik were seated on the front row while Syn walked in with her and her new adoptive family. After the injection he’d given her, he wanted to keep an eye on her vitals. Jayne had brought her husband, Hadrian, and their three children. Fadima and her sisters and grandmother took seats near Nykyrian’s father, Nero, and Bastien.

“Sumi?”

She turned at the sound of Darice’s voice. It was the first time she’d seen him since their return. “Hey, sweetie! What are you doing here?”

He lifted his chin. “I’m here to walk in with you… if you don’t mind.”

His loyalty touched her. “I would be honored, but I don’t want to cause trouble between you and your mother.”

“This is on my mother, Sumi. Not you. While I will always love her, I can’t condone what she’s done.” He glanced to Fain. “We War Hauks must stand together, and since Dancer can’t be here, I want to walk with you.”

His loyalty touched her dearly. “Your uncle and father would be very proud of you. As am I.” She hugged him against her.

A sharp whistle sounded, notifying them that it was time to begin.

Her family led her out to the center of the ring. Dariana, who strode into the arena like she owned it, walked behind her parents. She raked a sneer over Sumi’s body that said she thought this match would be short and boring.

Sumi snorted at the arrogance. While royalty and family might terrify her, fighting didn’t. Unlike Dariana, she’d cut her teeth on death matches a lot scarier than this. And with opponents who were much larger and far more skilled.

Bring it, bitch.

The head judge stood up to address them, while their families left their sides and took their seats. “Sumi of the Most Sovereign Blood Clan of eton Anatole has issued a challenge against Dariana of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk, the daughter of the Rising House of Terisool, for the right to take over the pledge of Dancer of the Warring Blood Clan of Hauk. Is this correct, princess?”

Sumi inclined her head to him. “It is.”

“And do you accept the challenge and the outcome that the gods see fit?” he asked Dariana.

“I do.”

“Then assume your positions and may the gods’ will be done here today.”