The garden remained in silence for one more second, barely broken by the rustling of leaves and the faint murmur of wind through the hedges.
The two moons remained high, projecting their crossed lights over the terrain, drawing double shadows beneath both their feet.
Katerina was the first to move.
She advanced a short step, tilting her body, evaluating the distance with Lucia. Katerina looked at the black dagger in her hand, and decided to store it in its sheath, which was tied to her thigh.
That was an artifact with a necrotic curse, its wounds were practically impossible to heal.
It was a weapon to kill, and therefore, wasn't something she would use against her friend.
Her eyes remained fixed on the girl before her.
"I don't want to hurt you," she said quietly, tensing her jaw. "So don't force me."
Lucia didn't respond. Her smile remained, faint at first, almost delicate.
Then she took a step forward.
And another.
Her posture changed.
