Then, with inhuman speed, Lucien struck back.
Valerian barely managed to parry as the vampire's claws slashed toward him, his sword vibrating under the impact. The sheer force sent him skidding backward, boots screeching against the marble floor. His heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins.
Stephany gasped, her hands trembling. "Stop it! Stop fighting!"
Neither of them listened.
Lucien lunged again, but this time, Valerian anticipated it. He sidestepped, twisted his sword, and brought it up in a deadly arc. The blade nicked Lucien's arm, drawing blood, but the vampire only laughed.
"You're putting up a fight." Lucien licked the crimson off his skin, his tongue gliding over the wound before it vanished entirely. His smirk deepened, fangs glinting. "But tell me, Valerian—what's your endgame here? Do you truly believe you can win?"