Tharvek watched the wound heal in real time.
The skin beneath Rhizen's jaw pulled together, leaving a dark line that disappeared beneath the blood. A moment earlier, Tharvek had felt the jawbone break against his knuckles.
And yet⎯
Rhizen was now moving his jaw normally, drawing another breath as he raised his sword.
"...Again."
Rhizen's voice reached his ears.
Tharvek's gaze moved towards the sword.
He stepped inside its reach, turning his shoulder past the edge before driving his palm into Rhizen's chest. The impact lifted Rhizen onto his toes, but his hand was already reaching towards Tharvek's sleeve.
Tharvek caught his wrist.
Crack!
The wrist bent beneath his grip. Rhizen's sword dipped, and Tharvek brought his elbow across his face before forcing him backwards.
Even then, Rhizen tried to swing.
The blade scraped against the gray covering Tharvek's arm.
'Still?'
Tharvek tightened his grip, feeling the damaged wrist move between his fingers.
