The ground trembled beneath Kali's hooves as she lunged forward again, a streak of raw power and speed. Her halberd cut through the air with a sharp whoosh, slicing the wind so cleanly it made the air crackle. I met her halfway, raising Ayuru to intercept. The impact resounded like thunder, a metallic clang that sent sparks scattering around us like fireflies in the morning light.
She smiled. That kind of smile that said, "Finally, someone worth fighting." Her eyes gleamed with excitement, her muscles flexing beneath her smooth skin and sleek centaur form. Her halberd twisted in a graceful arc, a blur of polished steel that came down with lethal precision.
I pivoted sideways, the blade narrowly missing my shoulder by a breath. The air pressure from the swing was enough to ruffle my hair and sting my cheek. I countered with a low sweep, my blade humming as I aimed for her lower torso, but Kali jumped back, hooves kicking up dirt in a graceful leap.
