Ethel used the momentum of the clash to twist her body, sweeping low in a fluid motion. Her shadow-wreathed tail snapped toward the Emperor's legs, aiming to unbalance him. He leaped back just in time, countering with a swift slash aimed at her midsection. Ethel bent impossibly backward, her body contorting as the blade sliced just inches from her.
She retaliated with a flick of her clawed hand, sending jagged shards of shadow toward him like shrapnel. The Emperor raised his arm, the golden scales along his forearm thickening to deflect the projectiles, which shattered harmlessly against him. He charged forward, closing the distance with a powerful thrust of his blade.
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