Kael regained his balance without taking his eyes off the creature.
The block had stopped the strike, but the force had traveled through his forearm and reached his injured shoulder. The green band created by Sylphie tightened around his chest, preventing the channels from opening again. He felt pain, but nothing had torn.
Not yet.
The creature remained in the middle of the street, watching the position of his feet.
It was not simply waiting for the next attack.
It was learning.
Kael noticed when it corrected its own hips. The rear foot rotated several inches, the left shoulder relaxed, and the stance moved closer to the one he used before activating Celestial Step.
The first execution had been imperfect.
The second would already be better.
"Do not use the technique," Sylphie said.
"I know."
The creature smiled.
"You fear that I will learn."
Kael loosened his aching arm.
"You already began incorrectly."
"I reached you."
"That does not mean you arrived well."
