Aurelia's voice cut through the chaos of our battle, but it was little more than background noise in the maelstrom of my focus. My entire world had narrowed to Lyan—his dark eyes, burning with the same intensity I felt, locked onto mine. Every muscle in my body was coiled, ready for his next move. He was strong, unnervingly so, and with each strike, it became clearer that this wasn't a fight I could win with half measures. I couldn't afford to hold back any longer.
We clashed again, our swords meeting with a resounding clang, the force of it reverberating through my bones. The vibration ran up my arms, almost numbing, but I didn't let it slow me down. I pivoted quickly, using the momentum of the blow to sidestep and angle for a new attack. My blade cut through the air with deadly precision, aimed at the vulnerable gap near his side. But Lyan was already there, his sword intercepting mine with a sharp crack of steel against steel.
