"S-Shyamal."
Confusion, dread, frustration, and concern hammered my head.
My chest immediately clenched, a wave of panic rose deep from my heart.
...Even though I didn't want to accept it.
It was already happening.
She was awakening again.
Taking deep breaths, I tried to calm my trembling heart.
"Hey, Shyamal," I whispered softly.
We locked gazes for a second; her body blurred.
The world around me slowed down, the sharp, curvy edge of her scythe now inches away from my neck.
CLANG!!!
My hand trembled as I parried her scythe away.
I tightened the grip on my katana, my eyes couldn't move away from her piercing crimson glare.
"Shyamal—!"
My words froze as she twisted her body, spinning her scythe, gaining momentum again.
I stepped forward within its range, using my hand as a shield. I blocked the snath part of her scythe.