The scout lunged again, but this time Ciara was ready. She blocked his strike, their weapons clashing with a metallic ring that echoed through the trees. Sparks flew as they exchanged blows, neither yielding, their movements a blur of calculated precision.
Behind her, Mother Agar ushered Ethan and Emery further back, her eyes wide with fear and awe as she watched Ciara hold her own against the deadly scout. Ciara felt the weight of her family's gaze, their trust, their hope. She would not fail them.
The scout growled, frustration flickering in his eyes as he struggled to break her defenses. But Ciara remained unyielding, her resolve strengthening with each passing moment. She feinted, drawing him off balance, and in one swift motion, struck a powerful blow that sent him stumbling back.
He regained his footing, panting and glaring at her, but he didn't advance again. Instead, he straightened, a dark smile creeping across his face.
