Wren launched toward Aeron, appearing in front of him in the next second. His en-blade whistled as it sliced through the air. Aeron whipped out of the way, his weapon rising.
It was no use. Wren was already gone again, his attack shifting.
"Are you all right?" Kira shouted at Joule.
His head popped out of his hiding place, and he nodded.
Kira breathed a sigh of relief. Good.
She glanced from him to where the other two fought, wanting to join the battle but also needing Joule safe.
"Go, I'm fine," he said, reading the struggle on her face.
Kira hesitated. It went against the grain to leave someone she cared for unprotected.
"I won't make a very good Overlord if I constantly rely on others to protect me." Joule's gaze was steady. A confidence there that was new. He brought his hands together, creating the pattern for a shield. "Besides, I have this."
Kira's smile was slow in coming. He did indeed. Not so defenseless after all.
She nodded at him. His face was serious as he returned the gesture.
"All right then." She raced into the fray.
Aeron saw her coming, one hand sweeping up in a gesture that had become familiar over the last few weeks. Kira sidestepped the strike, barely pausing as she barreled toward them.
Wren took advantage of Aeron's distraction, planting his foot and shifting the direction of his slice.
It was the first time Kira had seen Wren in action. He didn't disappoint. Every movement was efficient. Nothing wasted. He moved with power and decisiveness; his defense nearly impenetrable even as he attacked.
Kira had a brief second to be grateful he wasn't her enemy. That was all she had time for as she launched an attack of her own, hoping to capitalize on Wren's distraction.
Aeron was surprisingly nimble as he evaded the two of them. Quicker than anything he'd shown in training.
Wren and Kira worked together, reading each other's movements as they coordinated their attacks. Kira was at a slight disadvantage since she had no blade to wield, but she didn't let that stop her, hitting Aeron as soon as Wren regrouped.
The tactic kept the Tsavitee mole off-balance, not allowing him to think beyond the next second. Soon he was fielding their assaults more than he was attacking.
Wren and Kira pressed harder, there when the other withdrew. Timing and precision were key. If either one misjudged even a little, it would result in friendly fire or death by Aeron's hands.
Gradually, Aeron was forced back, step-by-step. He was tiring. It wouldn't be long now.
Aeron faltered. Kira was there in the next second, her fist already cocked as she hammered a blow into his side. He grunted, stumbling.
Kira tasted victory.
Power crackled through the air. A primal part of her screamed danger. She broke off her attack. Too late.
She reached for herki, desperate as it flickered and sputtered in her grip.
Out of the corner of her eye, fire and pain raced for her, impossible to evade.
"Kira!" Joule screamed.
Wren barreled into her. Kira stumbled, falling to the ground. Power sizzled at her back, white-hot heat scorching her senses.
A grunt of pain came from Wren as he hit his knees seconds later.
She scrambled upright, his stunned eyes meeting hers as he toppled to his side.
