---
The battle continued. Sofia appeared directly in front of Stephen and drove her fist toward him. Stephen raised his palm and caught the attack, but the impact sent a heavy wave through the courtyard. This time, Stephen moved. His feet slid backward across the broken stone for two full steps. It was not much, but those were two steps he had not been forced to take during most of the previous exchanges.
Natasha appeared behind him almost at the same moment. Her claws slashed toward his back. Stephen turned quickly, but he was too late to avoid the entire attack. Four crimson lines opened across his shoulder, and divine blood flew into the air.
