The corner of Katarina’s mouth quirked ever so slightly, a mix of annoyance and grudging respect.

“Don’t think I’ll hold back just because you’re worthy of being in this room.”

Katarina pulled back just enough to swing her blade in a tight arc, the whistle of air slicing through the silence. Her stance shifted, like a wolf circling its prey.

She stepped closer, the sound of her boots muffled against the padded sparring floor. The room was silent save for the sound of her blade as it sliced through a strand of your hair.

“And don’t faint this time, I’m not carrying you out again, {{user}}.”