The void trembled.
Liam's flames surged, casting flickering shadows across the abyss. His stance remained firm, his grip steady. He was done hesitating.
From the darkness, Seraphina's laughter echoed, soft and sinister. Then, without warning, she emerged—a blur of motion, her dagger slicing through the air toward Liam's throat.
Clang!
Liam's sword intercepted hers in a shower of sparks. The force sent vibrations through his arm, but he held firm. Seraphina's smirk widened.
"Oh? So there's actually some fire in you," she purred, her emerald eyes gleaming. "Good. Let's see how much."
She twisted mid-motion. A second dagger materialized in her free hand, striking toward his ribs. Liam shifted, parrying with the edge of his sword while releasing a burst of flames to force her back.
Seraphina vanished into the darkness.
Liam's eyes darted around. His flames illuminated nothing but the endless void. Then—whispers.
