Tirel shot a glance at the flurry of sparks and smoke, a weak grin breaking through her flushed face. "Looks like we're just decoration today, huh?" she muttered, twirling her fingers to trace arcs in the air, fire pulsing faintly along her fingertips. Her spells sputtered in the interference but her determination didn't waver.
Byun's grin widened, mischievous and reassuring at the same time. "Stay upright. That's help enough," he called, his voice carrying above the crackling heat and whispers of the crowd.
His shadows flared with black brilliance, whipping a flanker backward with a snap, then tightening around another, cutting the field clean.
The crowd leaned forward as the battle built to its climax. Jae feinted to the left, then in one fluid motion slashed upward. Flames burst from the Dragonfire Blade, erupting in a wide sweep that forced Veylan's shield-bearer into the path.
