Watching from the Stands

Nerys leaned forward, elbows on her knees, eyes narrowed with the stillness of a predator.

Beside her, Seraphyne clutched the edge of her seat with white-knuckled fingers. Her lips were pressed tight, her breathing shallow.

The duel opened in a surge of ice.

Solene moved like poetry in motion, flowing forward with blades of frost dancing around her. The confidence in her posture sent a shiver down Seraphyne's spine.

Nerys's voice was calm. "She's not even trying yet."

Seraphyne didn't answer.

When Lira dodged the first barrage, spun under the second, and leapt over the third, Seraphyne exhaled in relief. "She's faster than I thought..."

"She's trying to read Solene, not fight her," Nerys muttered. "If she keeps dodging, she'll lose."

They watched as the two began to truly engage.

Solene's control over the field was absolute. Frost coated every inch of the ground, making it dangerous to even stand. She moved like a dancer, unpredictable and precise.

"She's so beautiful when she fights," Seraphyne whispered, heart pounding.

Nerys didn't argue.

But her eyes remained sharp. "She's holding back."

"She doesn't want to hurt her."

"That might be a mistake."

When Lira flipped and blasted energy upward, Seraphyne gasped. "That was—"

Before Nerys could respond, a low voice cut in.

"Her fated weapon," Nyxara said, suddenly behind them.

They both jumped.

"The Bow of Radiant Dawn," she continued softly, as the golden weapon manifested in Lira's hands. "It chose her. Not by accident. Not by fate. But because her spirit was ready."

Seraphyne stared. "It's... beautiful."

"And powerful," Nyxara murmured. "I knew the moment she called it, she'd win."

"What's a fated weapon I've never heard of such a thing, is it like sentient weapons?" Asked Seraphyne.

"Mmm who knows." Nyxara said shrugging

Seraphyne frowned and Nerys rolled her eyes.

Lira notched her single glowing arrow.

Solene moved to strike.

The arrow flew.

Seraphyne's breath caught.

Solene vanished in light.

Nyxara turned back toward the field, lifting her voice.

"Winner: Lira of the Azure Cloud."

Seraphyne slumped back, overwhelmed with emotion.

Nerys sat slowly, eyes never leaving Lira.

"That girl... she just earned it."

Seraphyne nodded, then looked at where Solene reappeared, alive, safe, smiling.

And her heart swelled with love.

Even in defeat, Solene was radiant.

And Lira...

Lira had become something else entirely.