Duel • 5

Luna gasped as she tried to move, but her limbs felt heavy. Movement was impossible because the frost on her armor was too thick, binding her like invisible chains, weighing her down completely. "You... you cheated! I defeated you!"

Aeric tilted his head. "Did you? A veteran like you should know better, Daughter Luna. A duel ends only with death, incapacitation, or surrender. I didn't surrender."

The dome was silent except for Luna's panicked breathing.

Melina's heart began to beat now. She was so confused with what was happening. The rest of the Daughters watching outside stared, their disbelief palpable.

"What... what is this?" Luna struggled, her voice rising in panic. "Why can't I move?!"

Aeric's wicked smirk grew wider. "The power of a Swordbearer, Luna. This truly was an opportunity to test the idea I came up with a while ago."