Esteria picked up her sword, her knuckles white as she tightened her grip. The strain was evident in the way her muscles trembled, but there was a fierce determination in her eyes. El-Kharis watched her closely, his expression unreadable as she steadied herself for the next round. This time, there was no hesitation. She charged forward, her blade slashing through the air with renewed vigor.
El-Kharis met her strike effortlessly, their swords clashing with a resonant clang. The impact jolted through Esteria's arm, but she pushed through the pain, pressing her attack. She struck again and again, each movement more desperate than the last. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, El-Kharis remained one step ahead, his defenses unyielding, his counterattacks precise.