Ciara and I strolled outside, the air thick with that unmistakable tension that seemed to hover whenever we were together. The courtyard stretched wide before us, framed by tall stone walls and archways that seemed to reach out to the hazy sky.
The sounds of clashing swords filled the air, punctuated by grunts of exertion and sharp commands. Demon soldiers were practicing their swordplay, their forms fluid and deadly, each movement precise. I watched them for a moment, mesmerized by their synchronization.
Ciara's eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged me with her elbow. "You ever faced a demon in combat?" she asked, her tone teasing but with an edge of genuine curiosity.
I turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "I've faced many things. Demons… not so much."
She smirked. "Wanna try your luck?"