The courtyard trembled under the force of their clash. Steel screamed as Adrian's blade met Kael's once more, sparks dancing like fireflies in the night.
Selena's heart pounded in her chest. Every strike her uncle delivered reminded her of the boy who had once carried her on his shoulders, the man who had taught her the family's creed. That man was gone. Only the killer remained.
"Adrian! Watch out!" she shouted, diving to intercept a sweeping strike that would have cut him down. Her dagger scraped against Kael's blade, sparks flaring.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "So, the girl fights! How amusing. Did you really think your bloodline would save you?"
Selena gritted her teeth, her hands trembling—not from fear, but from a growing resolve. I will protect Adrian. I will not let him fall, no matter who stands against us.
Adrian staggered back from a powerful blow, but the scroll's energy flared at his waist. A golden aura surrounded him, and with a roar, he surged forward, meeting Kael's strike with renewed strength.
Selena mirrored his movements, her dagger moving in quick, precise arcs. She struck his side—not enough to kill, but enough to make him stagger. A small, satisfied smile flickered across her face.
Kael's expression darkened. "Impressive… but still far from enough." With terrifying speed, he unleashed a series of strikes that pushed both Adrian and Selena to their limits.
Selena dodged, ducked, and slashed, feeling the power of the scroll's techniques in her reflexes, guiding her movements. I can do this. I must do this.
Adrian noticed her progress, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Keep moving! Watch his left! Now!"
Working together seamlessly, they pressed Kael back. For the first time, the uncle who had always been untouchable was forced onto the defensive.
Kael roared in frustration, his aura flaring like a storm. "You children dare defy me?"
Selena planted her feet, determination blazing. "We're not children! We're survivors. And we fight for what's right!"
She lunged forward, her dagger piercing the air with deadly precision. Kael barely blocked, but a shallow cut appeared along his arm, blood dripping onto the stone courtyard.
Shock flashed across his eyes. The girl… actually wounded me.
Adrian saw the opening. He surged alongside her, the scroll glowing brighter than ever. Together, their synchronized attacks forced Kael to retreat a step—a step that would have been unthinkable just moments ago.
Selena's chest heaved, her resolve hardening. This battle wasn't just about survival. It was about reclaiming her family's honor from the darkness that had consumed it.
The night air seemed to thrum with anticipation, the clash of steel echoing like thunder. And in the center of it all, Selena and Adrian stood side by side—undaunted, unbroken, and ready to confront the uncle who had betrayed everything they once knew.