Alex stared at his motionless blade, shock and humiliation burning through him like acid. Sovereign's Reach—enhanced with his full strength—had been stopped by a single finger. The casual ease of Sabrina's defense struck him like physical blow.
"Impressive speed," she observed mockingly. "Though perhaps lacking wisdom."
Rage exploded through Alex's consciousness. Pride's golden energy surged within him, demanding release, but Alex forced it down with iron will. Only light blue aura flickered around his form as he pulled back for another strike, the cosmic power carefully contained despite his fury.
His blade carved through the air in a blur of geometric fury—cuts so precise they left afterimages glowing faintly in the dim chandelier light. Each strike was a symphony of intent, each arc a calculated disruption of space itself.
Sabrina didn't move.
