Yeah, still about the unseen one. Maybe there was no one coming.
Aren lay down, exhausted from the day's training, but at least he had completed the first rank. The dagger rested quietly beside him, almost like a loyal pet keeping watch.
"Hey, let's sleep. Tomorrow we'll get into the second rank," Aren mumbled sleepily. He paused, then chuckled softly. "Oh, sorry. Let me sleep. I guess you can't sleep, right?"
"You're right. Have a rest. Tomorrow we continue," the dagger replied in its gentle, almost human-like voice.
In seconds, Aren drifted off, sinking deep into his dreams. The tower stayed silent and dark, moonlight slipping through the cracks like silver threads.
Then - sounds.
Clash...
Clash.....
Clash.....
Metallic echoes filled the tower halls. The dagger sensed it first, its sharp spirit instantly alert. Without waiting for Aren, it transformed into its sword form, shimmering faintly in the moonlight.
The intruder appeared ;a figure in a flowing cloak, curvy and quick. She lunged inside, her twin blades flashing. But the dagger moved on its own, intercepting her strikes with precise, fluid counters. Sparks flew as metal crashed against metal.
The fight raged in the dim light. The dagger slashed and deflected, each movement sharp and alive, as if it had a mind of its own , because it did. The lady spun and danced, trying to break past its defense, but the dagger stayed ahead, guiding its blade with inhuman accuracy.
At one point, she struck hard enough to force it back. The dagger slipped past her guard and pinned her arm, driving her back against the wall.Meanwhile, Aren still slept deeply, lost in dreams.
Frustrated, the dagger decided it needed help to finish her off. It slipped out of the fight for a split second and zipped to Aren's side. It transformed just enough to poke him sharply in the ribs with its other end.
Aren flinched, muttered something, and rolled over. The dagger poked him again , harder this time.
Finally, Aren's eyes flew open. He sat up instantly, his gaze snapping toward the commotion.
A figure stood before him, her cloak whipping around her legs, breathing heavily from the duel.
Without hesitating, Aren grabbed the smiling sword. The dagger's spirit merged back with the blade, strengthening it as Aren stood up.
The woman lunged at him again, but this time, Aren was ready. He ducked, stepped in close, and twisted around her. With quick, sharp moves, he forced her off balance and slipped behind her.In one smooth motion, his arm looped around her neck, pulling her close. His dagger pressed cold and deadly against her throat.
She froze, panting hard, her body trembling against his. Aren's chest heaved from the sudden rush of adrenaline.
"Don't move," he whispered, his voice calm but icy.Moonlight flashed across the dagger's edge, sharp as a silent threat.They stood frozen in tense silence. Aren's grip was strong and unyielding. He had the upper hand now.
"Who are you, dear?" he asked, his tone low but curious.
He thought for a second it might be Amira, but he needed to be sure.
"Hey. Answer me."
He pressed lightly on her neck, then eased up, giving her a chance to speak.
"I mean no harm," she choked out, her voice strained but steady.
"One more time. Who are you?" His voice turned cold, sharp from his training and instinct.
"Valerie," she gasped, her breath shaky.
"And what do you want with me?" His voice dropped even lower, serious and unreadable.
She hesitated. The silence stretched painfully long."Speak," he growled. "Or I'll slit your throat."
Finally, she answered, her voice trembling. "I was sent to kill you."Aren let out a low, bitter laugh.
Then why say you meant no harm? he thought.
This girl… she's funny. Really funny...
"Who sent you "...