Mira stepped into the dimly lit tavern, her crimson blades strapped to her back, her eyes scanning the room. She didn't sit. She didn't speak.
Kael remained still as she approached their table. Orin tensed slightly, ready for anything.
Mira's gaze locked onto Kael's. "You want me to join you?"
Kael met her stare without hesitation. "Yes."
Mira smirked. "Then prove you're worth following."
She unstrapped her twin blades, their edges gleaming under the lantern light. The room grew quieter as nearby mercenaries took notice. They sensed a fight.
Kael slowly stood. He expected this.
Mira didn't trust anyone. If she was going to risk her life alongside him, she needed to know he was strong enough to survive.
"Outside," she ordered, already walking toward the back exit.
Kael followed.
Orin sighed, throwing a few coins on the table. "I knew this would happen." Then he stood, slipping into the shadows to observe.
A Duel in the Moonlight
The alley behind the tavern was wide, its walls lined with wooden crates and broken barrels. A full moon cast a pale glow over the scene.
Mira stood at the center, rolling her shoulders. "No holding back."
Kael drew his daggers. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Then she attacked.
Blades in the Dark
Mira was fast. Faster than most assassins Kael had ever fought.
She lunged, her twin blades flashing. **Kael barely dodged the first strike—**a feint. The second blade was already cutting toward his ribs.
He twisted, narrowly evading. Her foot came up, aiming for his jaw.
Kael blocked, but the force sent him staggering back.
She's stronger than she looks.
Mira smirked. "Not bad."
Kael didn't respond. Instead, he moved.
He closed the distance, attacking with a series of rapid slashes. Mira parried effortlessly, her movements fluid, almost playful.
Then she countered. **A spin, a downward slash—**too fast to dodge completely.
Kael shifted just in time, but the blade nicked his shoulder. A shallow cut, but a warning.
Mira stepped back, tilting her head. "Still standing?"
Kael exhaled. He wasn't done yet.
Breaking the Pattern
Mira was testing him. She fought with precision, always keeping control.
But Kael had learned to fight in the shadows. He didn't need control—he needed an opening.
He adjusted his stance, lowering his center of gravity.
Mira lunged again—this time, Kael didn't dodge.
Instead, he stepped into her attack.
Her eyes widened as he deflected her first strike and locked her second blade with his own. For the first time, she was off balance.
Kael pivoted, using her momentum against her.
Mira stumbled—just for a second.
And that was all he needed.
Kael spun behind her, his dagger pressed lightly against her throat.
Silence.
Mira froze. Then, slowly, she smiled.