When the clash finally ended, both Roxanne and Leonhart collapsed onto the cracked stone floor of the stage, their bodies heaving with exhaustion. The air still shimmered faintly from the remnants of their unleashed power. Before the dust even settled, Vivianne rushed forward, Undine flying beside her like a ripple of light and water.
Despite the bruises and the blood running down her arm, Roxanne was laughing, a low, tired, but genuine laugh that carried through the silent arena. She turned her head toward Leonhart, her smile warm despite the pain. "You've learned a lot from Mara, haven't you?"
Leonhart let out a rough chuckle, his chest rising unevenly. "Does it show?" he asked, his voice hoarse but teasing.
"It does," Roxanne replied, before wincing slightly as Undine began her healing work.
