The clearing echoed with the clash of steel against crackling magic. Luca's twin sabers carved swift arcs through the air, deflecting shards of ice that burst like glass upon contact. A streak of lightning hissed past his shoulder, scorching the ground behind him. He dashed forward, closing the gap, but Selena's hand flicked upward—an icy wall erupted before him. His blades struck it, sparks flying, the force sending a shiver through the barrier.
They broke apart, distancing themselves, breath steady but eyes sharp.
Selena lowered her hand, frost fading from her fingertips. "You didn't use your full power," she said coolly, violet eyes narrowing.
Luca chuckled, twirling his sabers once before letting them rest at his sides. "Nor did you."
For a moment, the tension hung between them, then both put away their weapons. Luca closed the distance at an easy pace, expression softening as he asked, "So…What do you think of Big Bull?"
