"Kaoru," Sari instructed, her voice steady and edged with the kind of focus that only true danger inspires. She didn't fully turn away from the looming threat, instead craning her neck just enough to meet her partner's gaze, "I'll take the lead. I need you to focus entirely on gathering your mana for your attack, okay? You must conserve every last drop."
The air between them was thick with tension, barely a moment passing since Laura had delivered the hastily devised plan—a plan they both instinctively felt was their only chance. Sari gripped the hilt of her weapon tighter, the weight of the moment settling heavily upon her shoulders.
