Black energy crackled around sene. Her nails extended into long, sharp claws.
"Now then," she said, voice low and eager, "you make the first move."
Nabil closed his eyes. He thought of Leon. Of everything he'd lost. Of everything he had to protect.
He gripped the sword tightly and blue energy erupted from within him, surrounding his body like a raging storm.
Sene's eyes widened as she leapt back, the sudden surge of power catching her off guard. The ground trembled. The pressure in the air thickened.
A smirk formed on her lips.
Suddenly, in a flash, Nabil vanished from his position—so fast that not even the afterimage lingered. In the next instant, he was right in front of Sene, striking with a clawed hand, sharp nails gleaming. She barely dodged the attack and jumped backward, her heart pounding.
"I wasn't ready for that speed," she thought, but it was too late—Nabil had already caught up.