Keen Observation

Alister pushed himself up from the rubble, his mind still processing the unexpected turn of events. The pain from the impact radiated through his legs, and he could feel Kaelan's frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

The plan had been perfect, or so he thought. But in that crucial moment, everything had gone horribly wrong.

'How did she do that?' he wondered, struggling to make sense of what had just happened.

His speed should have been more than enough to close the gap before she could react.

Yet, it felt as if the very ground beneath him had slipped out from under his feet at the worst possible moment.

Na'zehra's laughter filled the air. "Did you really think you could outrun the laws of this world? You're amusing, I'll give you that."

Alister gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. His sword was still in hand, glowing faintly with the residual lightling of his attempted attack, but the confidence he'd had moments ago was shaken.