VMMMM!
A wave of kinetic force erupted from the glowing geometric lines and pushed Raziel and Lucian apart.
The energy shoved them backward with a firm, undeniable pressure, separating them in the middle of their clash.
Raziel slid across the dirt and landed hard on his rear.
He felt the sting of salt and sweat entering the fresh cut on his forearm.
His muscles ached from the physical exertion and his lungs burned.
He stared at the silver light illuminating the dust particles floating.
Lucian sat a few feet away holding his dislocated thumb against his chest.
He looked across the arena and wiped a smear of blood from his nose. He broke into a wide, exhausted smile.
Raziel looked back at him and a rare smile broke across his own face.
They survived the trap without holding back. They put on the exact show they needed to put on.
The judges' table erupted into total chaos.
Elector Mordecai stood up and knocked his heavy wooden chair backward onto the stone tiles.
