The cavernous arena loomed before them, empty now of spectators, but scarred by battle. The stone floor was split with trenches of molten rock, littered with fragments of shattered wards and the lingering glow of burned runes. Every echo of distant thunder still vibrated in the air.
Noel and Selene pushed through a side tunnel and stepped into the open. At the far center, Nicolas clashed with the veiled figure—light and lightning tearing the silence apart. Sparks cascaded against stone, shadows warped as if space itself groaned under the weight of the spells.
For a moment, Noel froze. Then his own shadow stirred beneath his boots.
The darkness rippled, stretching unnaturally. From it rose a hulking form—Noir. The shadow wolf stepped into the arena at last, her frame expanding until she towered at three meters tall. Black fur rippled with violet undertones, her golden eyes gleaming with predatory intent. A low growl built in her chest, vibrating through the hollow coliseum.
