Duran was starting to feel it.
His steps weren't as solid as before. The cracks beneath his boots grew wider, not because of strength, but because of imbalance. His breathing was heavier now, the earth energy around his arms flickering instead of flowing. The constant reinforcement of his body was draining him faster than expected.
And Ethan wasn't giving him a chance to recover.
Every time Duran turned to swing, Ethan slipped around it. Every time he tried to charge, Ethan struck at the right angle. Then came another sudden blur across his vision.
Alden.
Another wind dart burst near his face, causing him to recoil slightly. It wasn't strong. It didn't hurt. But it made his next step uncertain—and in that tiny opening, Ethan struck.
A sharp jab to the ribs.
Duran growled and turned, fury rising.
He locked eyes on Alden.
"You," he muttered, voice low and angry.
He took a step toward him.