Refining the Disaster

"Master Mike won."

Someone in the crowd mumbled. Who? That would remain a mystery for soon many were shouting those words. 

No one cared that the title associated with Mike Northson's name wasn't official. A refiner who could refine for nearly two weeks without a single mistake had to be a Master. No Adept could claim such a feat. 

Hex smiled at the loud cheers. He appeared thankful for them but inwardly he remained calm. Those cheers didn't influence his mood. He knew many of these mouths cheering his victory might have jeered at him thirteen days ago. The jeers didn't shatter his heart and the cheers didn't inflate it. 

He saw Tarquin, Gabriella, and their refiners rush up to him. Elsa never visited. Hex was grateful for that. He didn't like her gaze nor had he forgotten her facial transformation.

"Mike! You are great. Who would have thought you would be so skilled?"