NORI’S POV

She’s good. Her speed is probably a match to mine, meaning neither of us get any direct hits in right away. We face off for a series of charges and close dodges. She kicks a couple chairs in my direction, trying to herd me to react to my left. She’s good, but I’m better.

When she rolls to the ground, swiping at my feet, I allow her to make contact. Her claws rip through the skin, exposing bone. It stings, but I pick up one of the knocked over chairs and break ...