Changing Worlds (13)

The spinning blade tore through the remaining vines, forcing Runa to leap sideways. She extended her free hand, conjuring a shimmering shield that deflected the scythe at the last moment. The weapon veered off course, embedding itself into the trunk of a nearby tree, but Arpious was already moving again.

Without her scythe, Arpious closed the distance with raw physicality. She launched herself forward, her wings propelling her into a high kick aimed at Runa's chest. Runa caught the movement in her peripheral vision and sidestepped, twisting her staff horizontally to block the strike. The collision sent a sharp jolt up both their arms, but Arpious used the contact to pivot mid-air, bringing her other leg around in a spinning kick aimed at Runa's head.