The other three turned toward us, their gazes locking on me. I could see the bulges starting in their loincloths, the fabric tightening as they took me in. My tunic hung loose now, torn a bit from before, showing hints of my curves. I didn't care. I wanted them to see.

We moved quick, ducking into a small storage nook off the main arena. It was tucked behind some stone walls, hidden from the crowd's eyes. Piles of shields leaned against the walls, spears stuck in the ground like forgotten trees. Old nets hung in bundles, smelling of salt and dust. The air here was cooler, a break from the...