But once again, his sword failed to touch Vlad, who effortlessly sidestepped the attack, his gaze still locked on the empty space before him.
Could the Duke really see demons?
The imperial knights, already on edge, felt a fresh wave of unease sweep through their ranks. The Order of de Winter, however, recognized this state all too well. Van Galahad let out a resigned sigh and rubbed his forehead.
“What a mess,” he muttered.
Vlad’s wandering gray eyes finally settled. His body, previously tense with calculation, now moved with certainty. He had finished assessing the situation.
“Liliette,” he whispered.
In the distance, the sound of galloping rang out like rolling thunder. Though it was only a single horse, he could hear its hooves roaring like an advancing army. A heartbeat later, the others heard it too. A mare with a cream-white mane burst into the training grounds, her wild speed kicking up a storm of dust.
Two things happened at once.
