But then, slowly but surely, I began to gain ground. My blue flames pushed against Zaya's shadows, inching closer and closer. I could see the strain on her face, her magic faltering under the relentless assault. The crowd's cheers faded into a distant hum as I focused all my energy on maintaining the pressure.
Suddenly, Zaya's eyes flashed with a renewed determination. A fierce grin spread across her face, and I felt a surge of power radiate from her. The shadows around her seemed to thicken and darken, becoming almost tangible. I blinked in surprise as her magic took on a new intensity, a palpable force that sent a shiver down my spine.
"You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?" Zaya taunted, her voice dripping with confidence. "I was just warming up."
