Their clash this time wasn't just fast—it was violent. The sound of their collision echoed throughout the castle. Each strike created bursts of pressure that shattered everything nearby. Xavier's movements were wild but powerful, his instincts sharper than any trained warrior. Luther's were precise, efficient, lethal.
They fought across the courtyard, up the stairs, through shattered glass and columns, up to the open balcony. The red moon loomed overhead, massive and bleeding light across their bodies.
Luther slammed Xavier into the wall, cracks spreading like veins around them. "You're strong," he said. "But strength fades. What stays is what we learn from it."
Xavier's grin returned, teeth stained red. "Guess I'll learn something tonight then."
