The Strangers with the Black Aura

The clanging of swords echoed through the dense jungle, mixing with the rustle of leaves and the cries of humans being devoured.

A female dragon-kin warrior locked blades with a human opponent.

But she wasn't like other dragon-kin—her gray skin was a little darker, with more scales around her neck and a small pair of white horns.

Her golden eyes were fierce, her breathing steady despite the intense battle.

Her opponent, a tall man with broad shoulders, moved with the grace of a veteran. His sword was a blur as it slashed through the air.

His foot slid forward as he swung his sword in a wide arc toward her side.

The dragon-kin warrior anticipated the move, stepping back with her right foot, her body twisting as her tail lashed out to counterbalance her movement.

Her sword, a curved blade, rose to meet his strike.

The clash sent sparks flying, the force vibrating through her arms.