Aria's POV
The arena roared with the sound of eager spectators, the atmosphere charged with a palpable tension that clung to the skin like a second layer. It was more than excitement—it was a collective anticipation, a hunger for something spectacular. The sun beat down mercilessly, gleaming off polished weapons and armored bodies, and in the center of it all, Cecily and I stood like twin flames about to clash.
We circled each other with careful precision, swords drawn and muscles coiled like springs ready to snap. Our eyes met and locked, and in that intense silence between heartbeats, the world around us faded. There was no crowd, no judges, no expectations—just the two of us and the battle that needed to happen.
