Bab 708: Ethel's Underwater Rule (12)

He raised his sword, deflecting her blast, and advanced, his movements fluid and relentless. He swung his sword in a powerful horizontal arc, aiming for her midsection. She deflected with her trident, twisting it just so to redirect his strike. But he anticipated her move, grabbing her by the arm with his free hand and pulling her close, bringing his knee up to her side with bone-jarring force.

Ethel gasped, but she didn't let go of her trident. She wrenched her arm free, using the momentum to deliver a quick, sharp elbow to his chest. He stumbled back, but quickly regained his stance, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light. They circled each other, both breathing heavily, every muscle poised to spring into action.