The moment Seraphine caught up, she didn't hesitate, light surged from her fingertips, bending the shadows into shifting illusions.
The man barely had time to react before three identical versions of her stepped forward, each one radiating a blinding glow.
His eyes darted between them, unsure which was real, and that split second of hesitation was all she needed.
She lunged, twisting her body mid-air, and sent a sharp burst of light crashing toward him.
The force sent him stumbling back, hands raised to shield his eyes as her radiance seared through the darkness.
Seraphine landed gracefully, the soft fabric of her nightdress swirling around her as she pressed forward, relentless. She didn't give him space to recover. Another illusion came to life beside her, mirroring her every movement, and when she feinted left, the illusion lunged right.
The man struck out wildly, his blade slicing through empty air.
She grinned.
