Adrian’s POV
The blade rang against my forearm guard hard enough to rattle my bones.
I twisted at the last second, redirecting the strike past my ribs, and rolled my shoulder through the motion, so the impact carried away from my center. The young warrior in front of me recovered quickly, feet shifting, breath sharp but controlled. Good instincts. Better discipline than last week.
“Again,” I said, already stepping back into range.
He attacked without hesitation this time. Not reckless—decisive. I met him halfway, parrying once, twice, then let my guard drop just enough to tempt him forward. He took it.
I swept his footing cleanly.
He hit the ground with a grunt and lay there for half a second before pushing himself up, cheeks flushed, eyes bright with determination rather than embarr
