"Elara, watch out!" Vanessa's voice cracked from beyond the barrier, but it was already too late to matter.
The phoenix dove.
BOOOOOOM.
The impact was catastrophic. Flame met water in a detonation of light and pressure that sent a visible shockwave rippling outward. For a single, terrible instant, the barrier meant to contain the entire duel groaned under a strain it was never built to hold. Cracks spread like spiderwebs across its shimmering surface, and then, with a sound like the world tearing in half, the barrier shattered.
CRACKKK!!
Shards of raw magic scattered outward in a blinding shower, and screams erupted from the crowd as nobles stumbled backward, shielding their faces from the sudden burst of heat and light that spilled unchecked into the open courtyard.
"The barrier!" the Duke shouted, already moving.
