Lyanna attacked from three different angles in rapid succession. She feinted left, struck right, and then came up from below.
He blocked each strike with his bare hands, his movements minimal and precise. "Excellent! You learn fast. But watch your footing on that last approach—you were slightly off-balance."
As he spoke, he reached out and tapped Lyanna's shoulder mid-strike—a gentle touch, but placed perfectly to disrupt her momentum. She stumbled slightly, eyes widening at how easily he'd done it.
Cassandra's next attack was different. The ice that formed was no longer pretty shards—it was jagged, brutal spikes designed to impale. They came faster and with real intent to kill.
Julian waved his hand and a wave of force shattered them, but he was smiling. "Perfect! That's what I wanted to see. No hesitation, no holding back."
The three women regrouped, breathing slightly harder now, their competitive spirits fully engaged.
