Aurelia's world had slowed to a crawl. The sounds had vanished.
Her eyes were narrowed to their extremes as they locked onto the blade, no more than the length of a middle finger, screaming toward her left eye.
In all honesty, though her face didn't show it, she had been shocked numerous times since the battle with Malakai began.
He was slower than her. Less powerful. And yet, he was keeping up with her attacks. Every strike she launched had been aimed to incapacitate. She had promised him pain, and meant every word.
She and Julius were far from close, but he was her brother nonetheless. The sight of someone torturing him… she wouldn't stand for it.
Still, what was supposed to be a quick battle had turned out to be something else entirely.
Malakai was strong. Frighteningly so. He had evaded. He had countered. He had been pushed back, and yet still found ways to catch her off guard.
