Minutes stretched on, the sand beneath them churned into a chaotic mess of footprints and shallow trenches from their relentless dance
Sera landed a glancing blow to Milo's wrist, her knuckles digging into the tendon with enough force to make his grip falter for a split second
She seized the moment, spinning into a high kick aimed at his temple, her heel cutting through the air like a scythe
Milo ducked just in time, the wind of her kick ruffling his hair, and dropped low, sweeping his sword toward her legs in a desperate counter
Sera leapt over the blade, her body twisting mid-air with acrobatic precision that drew a collective gasp from the stands, landing in a crouch as she launched herself at him again, aiming a palm strike at his ribs
The blow connected, her palm slamming into his side with a force that made Milo grunt, the air rushing from his lungs as he staggered back
Pain flared through his ribs, sharp and searing, but he clenched his jaw, refusing to let it slow him
