The first clash of claw against claw screamed like steel splitting stone. Sparks of energy burst outward as their hands blurred, slashing, blocking, and countering in rapid succession.
Jayden's claws cut down in a diagonal sweep; Ava caught it, deflected, and immediately thrust her own claws toward his chest. He twisted sideways, letting them graze his side, then spun on his heel and retaliated with a backhand slash.
She ducked low, claws carving upward toward his midsection. Jayden leapt back, snow exploding under his feet. She pressed forward without hesitation, her claws flicking in precise arcs aimed at his ribs and throat.
Jayden barely kept up, intercepting each strike with his own claws, the clang-clang-clang echoing in brutal rhythm.
And as the fight raged on, he could feel it… Ava wasn't just close to him in speed. She was matching him blow for blow. Every step he took, she mirrored. Every feint he threw, she read and countered.
