Astron's palm shot forward, cutting through the searing heat and directly toward Irina's body. His movements were decisive, his eyes locked onto her with a determination that ignored the burns on his shoulder and leg. His singular focus on the offensive sent a clear message: he wasn't backing down.
Irina smirked, her flames burning brighter around her. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," she said, her voice steady despite the charged atmosphere. "But you should know by now—"
The faint shimmer of her barrier came into view as his palm neared it.
"—this won't work," she finished confidently.
Astron's hand stopped just short of the barrier, his movements suddenly shifting. His sharp gaze flicked downward for a fraction of a second before his leg swept low in one fluid motion. The unexpected strike aimed directly at her balance point, catching her off guard.