The Shadowguard struck first, vanishing in a blur of shadow. Adrian twisted instinctively, parrying a blow that came from behind. The shock of impact numbed his arm. He stepped into the wall, redirecting the force and slashing horizontally, but the figure melted into the darkness again.
Too fast… and he's using spatial folds.
Storm leapt from Adrian's shoulder with a hiss, his tiny form expanding slightly, wings flaring with streaks of silver light. He spat a small arc of lightning, momentarily illuminating the tunnel—and the assassin within it.
Adrian used the brief flash to strike. He lunged forward and stabbed toward the image in the light.
Steel met flesh.
The Shadowguard twisted, but not before Adrian's sword dug deep into his side. Black blood spattered the stone. The man snarled and unleashed a wave of shadow qi, knocking Adrian back several feet.
"You… were trained," the assassin hissed. "But you're still just a cub."
Adrian wiped blood from his lip. "So is he."
