The young woman twirled her sword, the silver light slicing through the darkness, severing the creatures' shadowy forms. She laughed, a melodious sound that echoed through the gloom, a stark contrast to the creatures' guttural growls.
"Oh, you're so slow!" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Can't even catch a little rabbit!"
She feinted, dodging a creature's shadowy claw, and then spun, her sword slicing through its form, dissipating it into wisps of darkness.
"Young Miss, please!" a helpless voice resounded from behind her. A tall woman, dressed in dark, practical robes, followed her, her expression a mixture of exasperation and concern. "Please, be careful! Your father will be furious if he finds out you've sneaked out again!"
The young woman paused, her sword still humming with faint energy. She turned, her dark blue eyes twinkling.
