The stadium's roar diminished to a tense murmur as Lucas straightened, tiny arcs of electricity dancing between his fingers. With deliberate slowness, he raised his hand, pointing directly at Jayden. Brilliant white-blue sparks cascaded across his extended fingers, illuminating his face with harsh, otherworldly light.
"Guess they sent two so at least one of you might last a full minute," Lucas said, his voice carrying across the now-hushed arena.
The crowd erupted at the taunt, sensing the true battle was only beginning. Jayden's face contorted with fury, blue flames curling around his clenched fists.
From the corner of his eye, Noah noticed the medical staff standing attentively at the sidelines, equipment ready but not intervening. One of them spoke into a comm unit, receiving confirmation before nodding to her colleagues.
"They're not going in for Frost," Sophie observed, following Noah's gaze.
