I didn't answer. I couldn't afford to.
Because in the next breath, her blade came down again—clean, fast, and sharp.
Clang!
I barely managed to deflect it with my dagger, the force of the blow rattling up my arm. She wasn't going easy. If anything, she was pressing harder now, testing every bit of my strength and reaction time.
I stepped back to create distance, dragging in a sharp breath.
"You're being unusually aggressive, My Lady."
Her lips curled into a faint smile. "You wanted a real duel, didn't you?"
I couldn't help but chuckle, despite the pressure. "Then I guess I should respond in kind."
She didn't say anything—but her posture shifted slightly, just enough for me to know she was anticipating it.
So I moved.
I lowered my body and dashed forward, this time meeting her blade head-on. My dagger clashed against her sword, and I twisted my body to her flank, drawing the short sword from my hip in a blur.
Clang—!
