Stephan launched forward at blistering speed, his sword wreathed in black fire. The sheer force of his charge split the air, the stone beneath his boots fracturing as he closed the distance in a blink. Whether it was an attempt to cut Asriel in half before she could react, or simply to test the true weight of her power, even he wasn't sure.
One thing was certain: this woman was no mere prisoner. She was dangerous. Her aura screamed it, raw, oppressive, endless.
And yet… she didn't move.
Her hands stayed clasped loosely behind her back, violet fire dancing lazily across her shoulders as though mocking him.
She's underestimating me, he thought, eyes narrowing. Perfect. That gives me an opening.
He reached her in a blur, his blade cutting in a clean, flawless arc. The strike was precise, fueled by everything he had, enough to carve through a mountain. The impact rang out like a thunderclap. He skidded to a halt behind her, sword low, his chest heaving with adrenaline.
