The tension in the air was electric, almost as if it mirrored the sword Lily held. She gripped the hilt tightly, her hands trembling slightly as the weapon remained steadfast in her grasp. At first, nothing happened. The blade sat dormant, as though it was testing her resolve.
Suddenly, arcs of black lightning erupted from the sword, crackling with a menacing intensity. The energy lashed out around her, scorching the ground and causing nearby students to stumble back in alarm. Gasps filled the air as the dark energy hissed and sparked across the arena floor.
"Lily!" Adam's voice called out, sharp and worried.
Lily flinched as a bolt of lightning struck perilously close to her feet, the shockwaves sending vibrations up her arms. Panic flickered in her eyes, and for a moment, her grip on the sword faltered.
"I can't hold it!" she cried out, her voice strained as the weapon seemed to fight against her. "It's going to hurt me!"
