{Music Recommendation: Mountain Oath by The Last Retinue}
A chill ran down her body as the Sky Matron wiped the droplets of blood from her razor-sharp nails down her chin and neck.
"Your first mark," Ixana purred, tilting her head, her wings half-spread like a predator ready to strike. "One of many to coat my wings in your blood."
Nova's grip tightened on the branch until the bark dug into her palms. She shifted her weight onto the balls of her feet, knees bent, lowering her centre like Yoa had once shown her in sparring. If Ixana wanted to circle, Nova would be ready to pivot.
Ixana lunged, her claws swiped for her chest, but Nova twisted sideways and swung her branch in a wide arc. It cracked against Ixana's forearm with a satisfying thud. The blow barely slowed her. Ixana pivoted, her wing lashing out like a blade and knocking Nova off balance.
