Nathan reset for the fifth time, breathing harder now. Sweat trickled down his jaw, dampening the edges of his bandages. His grin was gone, replaced with a clenched jaw and the stubborn gleam that always came when he refused to lose.
Merlin stood opposite him, wooden blade resting lightly at his side. His breathing hadn't quickened. His body felt loose, steady, ready for another exchange before Nathan had even finished dragging in air.
'It's not fair,' Merlin thought, watching Nathan shift his stance. 'He's not weak. He's good. Better than almost anyone. But to me… it's like he's moving underwater.'
Nathan lunged again, this time faking low before snapping upward toward Merlin's shoulder. Merlin didn't even need to think. His blade moved with him, deflecting easily before twisting Nathan's arm just enough to send his sword flying. The wooden weapon clattered across the dirt.
Nathan froze, arm locked awkwardly in Merlin's grip.
"…Damn it."
