The coliseum hushed as the two fighters stepped into the center. The silence was heavier than the cheers had been. Selene walked with grace, her steps measured, each one like the note of a calm melody. Lira walked with sharpness, her steps cutting into the ground, her gaze locked forward, never leaving her opponent.
They stopped only a few paces apart. One radiated light. The other breathed shadow. The air between them tightened like a drawn bow.
The referee stepped forward, cloaked in neutral gray. His expression gave away no favor. He lifted his hand high, his voice calm but carrying across the arena.
"The duel will begin."
He lowered his hand.
The bell rang.
At once the arena was filled with light. Selene raised Astralis high, the blade catching the sun. She brought it down in a sweeping arc and a burst of silver fire surged forward, rushing across the floor like a tidal wave of moonlight.
