Fwoop!
With no warning at all, the girls moved together.
Zeva burst forward first, twin swords flashing as she closed the distance in a blink.
Her feet barely touched the sand, body low, eyes locked on his throat. The left blade slashed high, the right swept in tight at his ribs, a clean killing cross.
At the same time, Yara rushed from the other side.
Her fist drove in fast and heavy, aimed straight for his jaw, her shoulder rolled in behind the punch, hips snapping to send all her weight through it.
Her second hand stayed tight, ready to grab, to lock, to break.
Aestrea smiled as if he had expected this, and twisted his body just enough.
Swish...!
Zeva's left blade sliced past his face close enough to stir his hair.
He snapped two fingers around the flat of her right sword, stopping it cold inches from his side.
Clink!
The impact sent a sharp clang through the arena.
Thud!
At the same time, Yara's punch landed right into his open palm.
