{AURORA'S POV}
The sound of steel clashing against steel echoed throughout the woods. Sparks burst between blades like fireflies as Leo twisted his sword against the first hunter's strike and sidestepped just enough for the second to miss. His movements weren't wild or desperate—they were controlled, and precise.
The Purifiers pressed him hard. Every swing they threw came heavy, with the intent to kill. But Leo was fast, ducked low, pivoted, and let one man's blade slide off his own before driving his elbow into the other's gut.
I couldn't breathe. My heart felt like it was trying to tear itself out of my chest.
One of the hunters swung downward—a brutal, arcing blow—and Leo blocked, the impact driving him a step back. He gritted his teeth, then twisted and slammed his boot into the man's chest. The hunter stumbled, armor clattering, but the second came in right after, blade slashing toward Leo's shoulder.
Leo turned too late.
