CHAPTER 837 194.2 - PATH

Lilia exhaled slowly, forcing her grip on the bow to relax. Her fingers trembled slightly, a lingering remnant of the mana she had poured into her final shot—a shot that should have secured her victory. But instead, it had missed. Not because of a miscalculation. Not because Adrian had outmaneuvered her. But because of something—or rather, someone—far beyond her control.

Selene.

Even now, standing there with that perfectly composed smile, Lilia could see it—the satisfaction hidden behind the mask of gracious amusement. She planned for this. She made sure, no matter what happened, I wouldn't win.

A hand clapped against her shoulder, light but firm. "You fought well," Adrian said, his voice smooth and just a touch too self-satisfied. "But I guess your talent was up to this point, huh?"

Lilia's breath stilled, her fingers curling at her sides. A deep, burning urge swelled inside her—an impulse to turn and strike him, to wipe that smug expression off his face with a single punch. It would feel so satisfying.

But it would also be exactly what they wanted.

She clenched her jaw, inhaling sharply before stepping away from him, shaking his hand off like it was nothing more than dust on her sleeve. "Next time, you won't be so lucky," she said coolly, her voice unwavering despite the storm beneath her skin.

Adrian chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Luck?" he mused. "Is that what you're calling it?" His eyes gleamed with amusement, but Lilia could see it—that same faint edge he had carried throughout the match. He knew. He knew that she had nearly won, that it had taken more than just his skill to secure his victory.

But he would never admit it.

Lilia didn't bother responding. There was nothing more to say. With controlled, measured steps, she turned and walked off the platform, her back straight, her chin held high. The murmurs

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