The woman moved like a shadow, her strikes fast and precise. Liora and Elias scrambled to defend themselves, but their lack of training showed. Elias threw one of his gadgets—a small explosive—but the woman dodged effortlessly, her cloak billowing around her like wings.
"She's toying with us," Elias panted, dodging another strike.
"Stay focused!" Liora shouted, clutching the satchel tightly as she backed away.
The woman's eyes flicked to the satchel, and she smiled. "You're protecting them as if they're your children. How touching."
She lunged at Liora, but Elias intercepted her with a makeshift weapon he'd fashioned from scrap. The impact knocked her back, but she recovered quickly, her movements fluid and unyielding.
Liora glanced at the shards in her hands, an idea forming in her mind. The shards had always resonated with her, their energy responding to her touch. Maybe, just maybe, she could harness that energy.
"Elias, keep her busy!" she shouted.
"What do you think I'm doing?" he retorted, narrowly avoiding another strike.
Liora closed her eyes and focused on the shards. Their glow intensified, the pulsing light spreading through her fingers and up her arms. A surge of warmth filled her, and when she opened her eyes, they shone with the same light.
The woman paused, her expression momentarily faltering. "What are you doing?"
Liora raised her hand, and a burst of energy erupted from the shards, striking the ground between them. The shockwave sent the woman stumbling back, her cloak tearing as she hit the ground.
"Let's go!" Liora shouted, grabbing Elias by the arm.
The two of them ran, leaving the woman behind. Her voice echoed after them, sharp and cold.
"You can't run forever, Liora! The shards will consume you!"
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