Chapter 25: Blades and Flames

The training arena hummed with life, its rune-carved floor glowing faintly under the overhead crystals. This wasn't just any gym—it was enchanted, alive in its own way. A place where bloodlines spoke through magic and motion.

Seraphina stepped onto the sparring platform, her boots crunching softly against the obsidian tiles. Her palms were sweating. Not from fear—but from something hotter. Anticipation.

Cam cracked her knuckles, grinning. Her black hair already began to darken at the tips, a hint of red bleeding in like embers in coal.

"No holding back?" Cam asked.

"None," Seraphina said, her voice firmer than she felt. "Let's see what I can do now."

Cam bowed slightly, elegant despite the mischief in her smirk. "Ladies first."

Seraphina moved instinctively—too fast. Her body surged forward with a speed that surprised even her. She struck out with a spin kick, but Cam ducked under it easily, laughing as she swept Seraphina's leg in return.

"Not bad," Cam teased. "But you're still thinking too much."

Seraphina hit the floor with a grunt but rolled back up, energy buzzing in her chest. Her hands sparked faintly with violet light.

Cam's eyes widened. "Your magic…"

"I don't know how to control it," Seraphina said, staring at her hands. "It just happens."

"Then let it happen," Cam said, stepping forward, her fists lighting with orange flame. "Magic listens to emotion. Give it something to feel."

Seraphina lunged again, this time aiming low. Cam blocked with her forearm, but a burst of violet energy exploded on contact, knocking both of them back.

They hit opposite ends of the ring, winded, laughing breathlessly.

"You're dangerous," Cam said, standing slowly, rubbing her shoulder.

"So are you," Seraphina replied, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Cam charged this time, her hands now lit like twin torches. Seraphina parried, ducked, then sent a burst of raw power straight into the floor. It cracked beneath them, sending magical shockwaves rippling outward.

The lights flickered overhead.

Instructors paused in the viewing gallery.

Cam's hair was blazing crimson now, her lips pulled into a feral grin. "Again."

They collided midair this time—fire meeting violet light—twisting in a whirl