Forged Destiny [Book 8: Ch. 6]

Bringing Crocea Mors up before me, I advanced with caution, keeping my footwork even and preparing for any counter attack. He was still holding his head with one hand, but I didn't miss the glint of his pale eyes through his fingers.

A feint. He was watching.

The moment I came within range, he lashed out, eyes glinting as he cut upward with sudden speed, his sword a blur of red steel. If I hadn't been ready for it, I'd have been cut from groin to shoulder, but I had been and Crocea Mors rang with the impact, blocking it low.

—Forged Destiny [Book 8: Ch. 6]