The second collision sent Ethan skidding backward across the ice, his boots scraping loudly as he staggered nearly a dozen steps. This time, though, he didn't lose his footing. His balance wavered, arms flaring out instinctively, but he managed to stay upright instead of being launched back into the lake.
That alone felt like progress.
"Again…" he muttered, the word torn from his throat like a growl.
Five seconds passed.
The violent flush in his muscles slowly faded to a dull pink as the heat ebbed away. His breathing steadied, each inhale less ragged than the last. Beneath the pain and exhaustion, he could feel it—Force Resonance beginning to rise once more. Not the kind of explosive surge that ripped through his body and left him half-broken, but something steadier. It felt controlled. Combined with his Bear form, it might finally be enough.
For the first time since the exchange began, a dangerous thought crept in. He might be able to fight back.
This time, Ethan didn't wait.
