Adriana stared at Ryan as he threw the wooden sword. His invitation for a spar surprised her. Before she could respond, Ryan attacked with swift movement, giving no room for hesitation. He swung the wooden sword toward Adriana's shoulder with considerable force.
Adriana was taken aback, but before she could think, her body moved on its own. Her hand lifted the wooden sword and deflected the attack with incredible precision. The clash of wood produced a loud sound that echoed among the trees.
“What—” Adriana murmured, her eyes widening. She hadn’t even thought to evade, but her body responded instinctively.
Ryan stepped back, still smiling with satisfaction. “Just as I thought. Your instincts are sharper.”
Adriana looked at her own hand, as if unable to believe she had just deflected th
