Contents
Chapter Thirty-Three
Overview
Neema collapses during her bout with Tala after overexerting herself winning the weapons round. When Kindry refuses to stop the fight, a compelling, plural presence offers Neema power. Neema rejects it and stands on her own, signaling a pivotal choice of autonomy over supernatural aid.
Summary
On the Day of the Raven, Neema faces Tala Talaka in a public bout overseen by High Justice Kindry. Despite awkward moments in earlier rounds, Neema surprises the crowd by winning the weapons round, spending nearly all her strength to do it.
Entering the third round exhausted, Neema is dropped by Tala’s left hook and lies winded on the canvas. Tala urges Kindry to stop the round for Neema’s sake, but Kindry refuses, insisting the fight continue.
As Tala approaches, Neema experiences a powerful, intrusive presence: wingbeats, a hollow-boned lightness, and a plural voice promising to join her and help her win if she lets it in. The sensation feels familiar and dangerously persuasive.
Recoiling in defiance, Neema rejects the presence. The vision dissolves, and she draws on her own will to rise. Bloodied but resolute, Neema returns to guard position, choosing to continue on her own terms.
Who Appears
- NeemaFighter and recorder; wins the weapons round, is knocked down, resists a compelling supernatural presence, and rises by her own will.
- Tala TalakaNeema’s opponent; energetic and skilled, urges the High Justice to stop the round for Neema’s safety.
- KindryHigh Justice overseeing the fights; denies Tala’s request to stop the round, forcing the bout to continue.