Athena held her breath, her body pressed firmly against the wall, waiting. The presence following her was deliberate, their steps cautious but confident.
They weren't just another survivor or a scavenger. They were skilled. Trained. The moment the figure rounded the corner, Athena moved.
Like a shadow, she lunged forward, her sword slicing through the air with precision, aimed to incapacitate, not kill.
But the man was fast, unnaturally fast. He twisted his body at the last second, dodging her strike with a fluidity that sent alarms ringing in her mind.
Before she could adjust her stance, he countered. A powerful kick slammed into her side, sending her stumbling backward.
She recovered quickly, flipping back into position, sword raised, eyes narrowing at her opponent.
The man was tall, lean but muscular, his movements controlled and lethal. His eyes locked onto hers, an intense gaze that sent an unsettling chill down her spine.
