I stopped retreating defensively and Instead, I moved toward the obstacles, the stone pillars and uneven terrain Helena had built into this training ground.
Seraphina followed, curiosity evident in her expression.
I threw a smoke pellet at the ground between us and purple smoke exploded outward, filling the space.
Her sword flashed, holy light cutting through the smoke like a beacon.
Just as expected.
I was already moving to flank, using the smoke for concealment even as her light dispersed it. Shadow Step put me behind her.
Strike at her back.....
She spun, blocked, counter-attacked in one fluid motion. Impossibly smooth.
But she'd had to turn. Had to react. Small victory.
"Better," she said, and I could hear the smile in her voice. "Keep going."
I used one of the disruption crystals Marcus had made. The small device shattered in my hand, releasing a pulse of magic-dampening energy.
Seraphina's holy aura flickered just for three seconds.
But three seconds was enough.
