Gabriel moved.
His sword came in fast, a tight slash aimed at Castor's ribs. Castor dodged backward, grabbed a metal basin from beside the bath and swung it like a club.
Gabriel ducked. The basin whistled past his head close enough to disturb his hair. Castor pressed forward immediately, using his power to force Gabriel onto the defensive.
A straight punch aimed at Gabriel's face. He parried it with his forearm, felt the impact jar his bones. Castor's follow-up came instantly, a kick toward Gabriel's knee that would have shattered the joint if it connected.
Gabriel pivoted, letting the kick pass through empty air. He countered with a slash at Castor's extended leg. The blade opened a line across Castor's thigh.
Castor hissed but didn't slow. His hand shot out, fingers closing around Gabriel's throat before he could retreat.
The grip was iron. Castor squeezed, cutting off air, his face inches from Gabriel's with an expression that was almost pitying.
