He closed distance with a brutal swipe. She swiftly brought her own sword to meet his with a grating clang. He stepped forward, pressing down on her, using his height and weight to their full advantage.
They were face to face, close enough that Keriya could feel the heat of his body, his breath on her cheek. She was lost for a moment as she stared into his eyes. His expression was hostile, dangerous. The visage that had grown so familiar to her was suddenly alien.
Seeing him look at her in such a way sent emotion stabbing through her—not fear, but sorrow. Keriya slipped sideways, and he stumbled at the unexpected shift in momentum. She twirled gracefully, wheeling to point her sword at his unprotected back.
Viran pivoted, slamming the execution blade into her sword so viciously that she
