A week had passed since the nightmare in the forest cottage—since Marcous's escape, since the Order's shadow loomed.
Seraphina and Lyra had been gone most of that time: coordinating with city guards, helping families reunite with their rescued daughters, quietly hunting leads on the cult.
Today, though, they were back.
Seraphina stood in the center of the grass in her usual light armor, sword held casually at her side. Lyra leaned against a nearby tree, staff propped beside her, chewing her lip nervously.
Ai faced Seraphina, katana gripped in both hands, stance low and surprisingly steady.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow.
"You've been practicing," she observed, voice calm but curious.
Ai grinned, a little proud. "Maybe."
Seraphina didn't smile back. She simply raised her sword.
"Then show me."
She moved.
Ai blocked.
