Yanking a sword off the walls of the arena, Cassandra took her stance. It was all thanks to Lotus, her middle sister, that she was able to find a decent enough sword instructor to learn some proper moves.
The only person in this damned place who treated her like a human being.
Siroos did the same, he took hold of a long hilted sword and summoned her with his free hand. Standing tall and firm, his tanned skin glistened under the dying sun as he challenged in his twisted voice.
"Let's see what you are made of."
Cassandra had a proper gown on, no way was she in a garb appropriate for duelling. But she hadn't had the opportunity to change, so she had to make do.
They faced each other, while Cassandra was determined, Siroos had a smirk going.
She thrust forward with the sword aimed at Siroos's neck. She slightly jumped and aimed for his jugular but he was faster, more agile on his feet.
His sword clanked with hers evading her attack and diffusing it. At the same time, he was slightly surprised at the raw strength she had put behind her sword. For a fragile-looking creature, she knew how to carry a sword.
"Not bad," he declared, slightly impressed, his eyes shimmered with appreciation.
"Hmm!" She didn't let her guard down.
Cassandra had taken her position again, the sword swished in her hand as she readied to launch the attack towards his ribs now. The soft spot which lay between the ribs and the abdomen.
Siroos could see she knew which areas to target, a little more training and she could be a trained fighter. He jumped back just in time to dodge her attack.
She slashed at him again, the sword making a whooshing sound as it cut through the air. Siroos blocked it with his own, and the clanking of their swords continued.
Cassandra's teeth tightly gritted together while Siroos remained comparatively relaxed.
Cassandra bent low on the floor and aimed for his bare legs this time, she swiftly moved at a 360-angle. Her sword swirled like a whirlwind of steel.
Siroos jumped and yet again escaped her attack, the blade only sliced the air. The smile on his face kept widening, she had stunned him with her skills.
Cassandra on the other hand didn't waste a second, she knew even a difference of a blink of an eye could cost one's life in a duel.
She straightened and came at him with rapid strikes but Siroos was ready for her. He feigned to his left and Cassandra followed but he quickly spun to his right, catching her off guard.
Finding the opening he was looking for her brought the tip of his sword towards her sleek vulnerable neck. Catching her waist he spun her around and caught her in his thick muscled arms.
Her back collided with his chest with layers and layers of muscles. Her very breath was almost knocked out. Cassandra tried to bring her sword over her head to attack him but he anticipated her movement and caught her wrist.
The grip so lethal and strong, she was sure if he applied enough pressure it would break and yet she knew he was being gentle with her. He pried the sword away from her hand. It fell on the ground with a low cluttering sound.
"Impressive."
He peeked at her over her shoulder, the corset and that awkward gown had half of her breasts popping out. Her chest was heaving as she tried to catch her breath and beads of sweat trickled down and disappeared between her cleavage like pearls. Not that he minded the view but she wriggled in his hold like a fish caught in a hook.
She was hyper-aware of his wanton eyes glued to where they shouldn't be and understood the double meaning behind his word.
Her body lost control every time he touched her. Those calloused hands she wished on her bare skin, caressing. The shame her thoughts brewed turned her into a beetroot.
Siroos took a deep inhale as if taking in her scent, this unnerved her even more.
"Let go," she sternly ordered and he obeyed, unwillingly dropping his arms.
Cassandra quickly put a respectable distance between them and turned to face him with disappointment flashing on her face.
"I can't even defeat you," she said in annoyance, trying to adjust her uncomfortable gown. It had been showing him more than she intended to.
"Ouch!" He dramatically placed his hand on his perspiring chest as if she had bruised his ego. The tiny droplets oozed out of his skin and shone like gold dust against his rusty skin. His jawline appeared even sharper against the dying rays of the setting sun.
"I am a trained warrior, that's what I have done all my life. You did well."
"We need a better strategy if we want to have even a chance of surviving. My eldest sister along with her vampire warrior is the reigning champion. The word 'losing' doesn't exist for her and she doesn't mind playing dirty as long as she wins," Cassandra said sadly, picking up her sword and returning it to its original place.
"Just fight like that whoever comes your way and leave the rest to me. I will handle your sister..." Siroos was still speaking when they were interrupted by a shrill dramatic scream.
"Cass? Casssss?"
Cassandra had to facepalm herself before muttering.
"She is here."
Siroos turned to see who the voice belonged to.