Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 10]

Blake took a step forward and leaned to the left, before she took another leaned in the opposite direction. Her form darkened once more, and she suddenly surged forwards – the inky shadows blurring her from view once more.

The same move! I took a step back, holding my shield to the left, while blocking with Crocea Mors to the right. Blake charged in head-on, but diverted impossibly fast at the last second. She flickered, like she had the first time, and suddenly she blurred to the right, coming in from that side with her dagger aimed for my kidney.

I spun quickly, putting my shield between us – only to gasp when she smiled. Without thinking, I twirled and lashed behind me, and was rewarded with the sound of my sword striking against her twin-daggers.

Her eyes widened, shocked to find I'd caught her, but she recovered with ease, planting one foot down on my shoulder and kicking away before I could attack. She landed gracefully, and although her eyes were still surprised, there was also a pleased smile on her face.

[...]

"When I vanished, you instantly attacked behind you. How did you know I'd be there?"

"It seemed obvious," I said, curious to see where this would go. I was stronger than her in terms of raw Strength, but I held the lock instead of breaking it. "I'm in full armour, and I have decent defences. I figured the best bet would be to get behind me where I couldn't block."

—Forged Destiny [Book 3: Ch. 10]