He couldn't let that happen.
William lunged, the shrieking blade of wind aimed straight for Elion's throat.
Elion didn't think.
Didn't plan.
He didn't even analyze.
His body moved purely on instinct.
He inhaled.
Hoooo.
His fist cocked back.
—then shot forward like a cannon.
BAM!
CRUNCH.
His knuckles collided squarely with William's face.
The wind blade shattered with a violent burst of air, scattering harmlessly as William's body snapped backward, lifted off the ground like a rag doll.
Blood sprayed from his shattered nose in the same instant his body flew across the courtyard...
—and crashed into the academy's decorative pond with a tremendous SPLASH.
Time slowed for Elion.
Because just as his punch connected—
A blur of movement flashed at the edge of his vision.
Fast. Silent. Controlled.
Someone was coming.
He turned his head just in time to see her land lightly on the stone tiles a few steps to his left.
