The Dragon Courts gathered in silence, thousands of eyes burning like stars in the arena carved from obsidian. Flames danced in braziers that reached higher than towers, each one lit by ancient dragon fire. Above, banners of crimson and gold hung heavy, declaring the spectacle to come.
At the center stood Kael. His presence alone bent the air, his body wreathed in ember and smoke. His dragon form pulsed beneath his skin, scales flickering with molten light. He smiled when he saw Aric enter.
"A mortal dares," Kael sneered, voice echoing through the court. "I'll make this quick, so your corpse doesn't embarrass her." His gaze slid to Serenya, venomous and cruel.
Aric tightened his grip on his sword, steel gleaming with faint dragonfire. He didn't rise to the taunt. His heart hammered, but his eyes never left Kael's.
A horn sounded. The duel began.
Kael moved like an inferno loosed from its cage. He struck first, claws blazing, each blow shaking the obsidian floor. Aric blocked, steel shrieking against scales, the force nearly shattering his arms. Sparks erupted, fire and steel clashing in showers of light.
The crowd roared.
"Pathetic!" Kael snarled, wings flaring wide. He swept his arm, a wave of flame crashing toward Aric.
Aric rolled, the heat searing his skin, then countered with a slash that grazed Kael's side. It wasn't deep, but it drew blood. For the first time, Kael's smirk faltered.
Serenya stood at the edge of the arena, fists clenched, lips moving in silent prayer. The bond glowed faintly between her and Aric, threads of fire winding across the space.
Kael noticed. His grin returned, crueler than before.
"Ah… so that's it. You're nothing without her."
His flames surged, brighter, hotter. The arena shook as Kael shed more of his restraint, scales spreading across his face. He was becoming more dragon than man.
Aric braced, lungs burning, sword trembling in his hands.
The duel had only begun, and already he was fighting for breath.
But he refused to fall.