The five minutes between rounds felt like an hour.
Cora leaned against the barrier, her chest still heaving, her ears ringing from Jace's sonic blast. Mason was flexing his fingers, the gauntlets cooling slowly. Sera reloaded her crossbow with hands that didn't shake anymore. Derek stood apart, his ghosts hovering close, Dr. Blackwood whispering something Lucian couldn't hear.
They were battered. They were tired.
But they were still standing.
Dorian stood across the arena, his blade resting on his shoulder, his smile back in place. Lena melted in and out of the shadows at his side. Jace was rolling his shoulders, already recovered. Vera cracked her neck. Mira adjusted her barrier focus.
Five against five again.
Lucian raised his hand. "Timeout."
The referee nodded. The clock stopped.
Cora looked at him. "What are you doing?"
"Changing the plan."
He gathered them in a huddle, low and tight. The crowd's roar faded to a hum. The arena lights felt too bright.
