The family vanished into the trees.

  Kaelen stood among the bodies, breath steady.

  Slow clapping echoed down the road.

  Ten more figures emerged—leaner, better armed.

  Their leader stepped forward, jaw tight with fury.

  “You.”

  Kaelen leveled the spear.

  “Leave. Or join them.”

  Laughter rippled.

  “Kill him.”

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  They rushed.

  Kaelen moved.

  Short spear. Stab. Elbow. Twist.

  Then twelve feet in a blink, cleaving through a charging man.

  Shadow bled from his steps. Lightning cracked in controlled bursts through the shaft.

  One fell.

  Then three.

  Then six.

  Blood soaked the dirt.

  The last man dropped to his knees.

  “P-please—”

  Kaelen lunged.

  Steel sang.

  A white katana appeared between spear and throat, vibrating so fast the air screamed.

  The impact sent Kaelen skidding backward.

  A man laughed.

  Relaxed. Confident.

  White blade humming like a living thing.

  “Kessel was wondering what was taking so long,” he said lightly. “Now I see why.”

  He flicked the blade.

  The sound hit a heartbeat late—a concussive wave that shattered stone and forced Kaelen to leap back.

  “Ace,” the man said, bowing theatrically. “And this beauty? Sonic Vibratory. Cuts with frequency, not force.”

  Roric’s voice was low.

  “Careful.”

  Vex didn’t speak.

  He was smiling.

  Ace shifted his stance, predatory.

  “So,” he said, eyes locking on Kaelen, “let’s see what you’re worth.”

  Kaelen adjusted his grip.

  The spear lengthened.

  Lightning crawled along its edge.

  They launched forward at the same instant—

  Steel and sound rushing to collide.