Victor straightened, his face set in determination. I could see a flicker of nerves in his eyes, but he wasn't going to back down. Kaela motioned for him to step forward. "I heard you're a mage. Let's see if you have the magic to match your other half."
She gestured to an open space in the clearing, where one of the Amazons, a tall woman with a spear strapped to her back, stepped forward. She eyed Victor with curiosity, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"You will duel her," Kaela said, her eyes fixed on Victor. "Show me that you have the strength and control to stand by Lyra's side."
Victor took a deep breath, nodding. He stepped into the clearing, facing the Amazon. She removed her spear, holding it loosely in one hand as she assessed him. The other Amazons gathered around, their eyes keen with interest. They were clearly curious to see how an outsider, a mage at that, would fare against one of their own.
