The steam hung heavy in the air, the quiet drip of water broken only by the hiss of your blade slicing through it. Baby Saja moved fast, twisting to the side just as your blade darted for his arm.

“Too slow,” he taunted, smirking as he narrowly dodged the strike, his yellow eyes glowing with mischief.

But you didn’t give him time to gloat—your next strike was faster, sharper, and aimed straight for his chest.

His eyes widened a fraction too late. The blade skimmed across his shirt, tearing through the fabric and leaving a thin, stinging line across his chest. A faint trail of blood welled against the faintly glowing purple markings that pulsed brighter at the hit.

He glanced down at the cut, then back up at you with a slow, crooked grin. “Well, would you look at that…” His tone was low, almost a purr, despite the fresh blood sliding down his skin. “You actually managed to hit me.”

He stepped closer, ignoring the sting, his expression maddeningly amused. “Gonna go for my throat next, angel? Or are you just trying to see how much skin you can get away with slicing?”

His smirk widened as he tilted his head, his glowing markings pulsing brighter in the thick steam. “Go on then—take another swing. I’m curious if you’re aiming to kill me… or just marking me for yourself.”