Drac and Lysanne continued sparring while Eric walked over and settled onto the bench at the edge of the training ground, folding his arms as he watched. He had no intention of interrupting them. This was far too interesting.
Drac moved with deliberate restraint, meeting Lysanne's attacks with ease. His footwork was light, almost lazy, yet always precisely where it needed to be. Eric observed quietly and noted three things almost at once.
First—Lysanne was not a beginner. Her stance was correct, her grip steady, and her swings carried intent. But there was hesitation buried beneath her movements, a lack of confidence that dulled the force behind her strikes.
Second—Drac was holding back. A lot. He didn't need to meet her blade at all. More than once, Eric saw openings where Drac could have stepped aside without raising his sword, yet he chose to parry instead—matching her rhythm, not overpowering it.
