"Do you plan on dying today, or are you actually going to keep throwing that punch?"
Viola's voice echoed in Emerald's mind as she deflected a powerful strike, her muscles aching with exhaustion.
"I'm trying," Emerald hissed through gritted teeth, pushing the soldier back before another came at her from the side. "Gods, there are too many of them…"
"Then fight smarter, not harder. You're not here to look pretty."
Emerald twisted, ducking low as the second man swung, his claws skimming the top of her hair. She shoved her elbow into his ribs, spun, and slashed across his arm. He howled in pain but didn't fall.
The clash of steel echoed as shouts filled the air and fire spread across the battlefield. The ground was muddy and stained with blood, making it hard to breathe.
"Kieran!" she shouted, but his hulking wolf form was nowhere in sight.
