Intruder

Karyan and Reverie stepped back into the serpent realm, the familiar sense of magic wrapped around them.

Karyan glanced around. "Do you feel that?"

Reverie nodded. "Yes. Someone else is here."

They walked slowly across the grassy plains, eyes scanning the horizon.

"Let's act normal," Karyan whispered. "Pretend we don't know."

"Got it," Reverie replied.

They started to practice their moves, all the while keeping their senses alert.

Suddenly, a figure stepped out from behind a large rock.

"Who are you?" Karyan called out, trying to sound calm.

The figure didn't answer, but charged at them instead.

Reverie stepped forward. "Karyan, watch out!"

Karyan met the attacker, blocking the first punch. "I see him!"

They fought back-to-back, parrying and striking.

The intruder was quick, but Karyan and Reverie were quicker.

"You're good," the intruder said, breathing heavily.