Liora went first.
I stayed behind the pier while she tested the Regent's remaining reach. Her opening was smaller than mine would have been. A shift of weight, the point of her sword showing just enough threat to draw the long arm away from the supported path.
The Regent answered.
Aiden met its elbow from the other side. He kept his wounded arm close and used his stance to turn the impact. Liora let the glass edge pass, cut across a damaged joint and moved back before the body completed its turn.
They were tired. The enemy was still stronger.
They were also choosing the exchange instead of letting its reflections choose for them.
"Wait," Liora called.
I waited.
