Talia stepped onto the platform like she owned it.
God, she looked sexy when she was in fight mode. Her black hair was tied back in a tight ponytail, yellow eyes sharp and focused. Across from her, Mira Firefield—a lanky redhead with a reputation for aggressive fire magic—cracked her knuckles and grinned.
"Hope you're ready, Princess. I'm not holding back just because you're royalty."
Talia's expression didn't change. Not even a flicker.
"Good. You'll need all the strength you can muster."
Valdris raised her hand.
"Begin!"
Mira immediately launched a fireball.
Talia raised her hand and a wall of ice erupted from the platform, absorbing the blast. Steam hissed into the air, obscuring both fighters for a heartbeat.
Before it cleared, Talia was already moving.
She closed the distance in seconds, her rapier gleaming. Mira barely had time to conjure another flame before Talia was on her, blade flashing.
Once.
Twice.
Mira stumbled back, eyes wide with panic.
