The crowd erupted into murmurs.
In the Dragonhold section, Oberon's eyes narrowed. He turned to his champions and nodded.
In the Elandria section, Queen Arnarra stood up and turned to her daughters.
"Prepare yourselves," she said.
The two kingdoms rose and began making their way toward the arena floor.
The first battle of Stage Two was about to begin.
—
The gates of the colosseum opened, and the champions stepped onto the arena floor.
From the Dragonhold side, Kayden walked forward first, with white lightning streaking around his body.
His expression looked focused. Rin and Lysandra followed right behind.
From the Elandria side, Queen Arnarra stepped forward. She had light-green hair tied back, and carried a staff. Beside her walked two of her daughters, both elven mages with sharp eyes and poised stances.
The crowd murmured as the six champions took their positions across from each other.
