Noctlisa knew her melee style had a natural counter: fighters like Mia who kept their distance. Anyone able to keep her at arm's length was her worst enemy. So even she found it odd that she'd drawn her weapon.
Why did I draw my weapon when she counters me? She stole a furtive glance at Jett and caught his smirk. Right—wanted Master to see my battle stance.
Heat rushed to her cheeks, her lids lowering in a brief pout before she shoved the sword back into the shadow cleft at her neck. Black coils seeped from her pores, wrapping her from head to toe. In an instant dark plate formed, its seams glowing with icy blue light that matched her aqua eyes. Her helmet gathered her white hair into a long tail trailing behind her like the shadow‑cape at her shoulders.
BANG!
