He strides rapidly along the center of the arena, Witherbrand flaming in his hand. “The Calling is not a game to be won. It is a grueling test of worthiness. The women here are suffering on your behalf, striving to prove themselves worthy of you, the people of Bolcan. Do not diminish their birthright, their strength, and their competence by praising their names alongside the names of others who are not part of the Calling.” Others like me. Those words—it feels as if he has wrapped my heart in fiery fingers and squeezed. He keeps walking, right up to me, smelling of smoke and fire. “There is a
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