The Unseen Gambit

Luke lunged forward again, his movements desperate yet deliberate, closing the distance between himself and Commander Valerie with the same reckless abandon as before. His body ached, and his wounds screamed, but he ignored it all. If he hesitated now, he'd lose his one real chance.

Commander Valerie saw him coming, and for a moment, her instinct urged her to cut him down like before. But something held her back. She had slashed him enough times now—more than enough to leave him crippled if he were just an ordinary man. And yet, he was, pressing forward again, reckless, persistent. Why?

She had no idea what he was planning, but she refused to let him stay this close. Her grip on her sword tightened, but rather than bringing it down upon him, she twisted her body and threw her weight into forcing him off.