Liliana’s POV
The fading echoes of Viktor’s mocking laughter rang in my ears as I steadied my breath, feeling the cold stone beneath my boots. My heart pounded with each passing second, the weight of the moment pressing down on me like an iron chain. The air felt thicker here, laden with tension and the acrid tang of blood. Viktor stood before us, his imposing frame radiating a lethal confidence, his crimson eyes fixed on me.
“You’ll regret stepping into my territory,” Viktor sneered, raising his blade, its sharp edge gleaming in the dim light. He lunged, faster than I anticipated, and I barely sidestepped, feeling the sharp rush of air as his blade sliced past me.
I countered with a swift strike, my claws glinting with silver tips. My aim was precise, but Viktor deflected the blow with
