The water blades hit the wave and vaporized—turning to steam mid-flight.
Mariana's eyes narrowed—just a fraction.
Venya grinned—launching forward.
She crossed the distance in three bounding strides—tail whipping behind her—claws extended.
Mariana swept both hands in a wide arc.
A wall of water rose—ten meters high, fifteen wide—curving into a dome around her.
Venya slammed into it shoulder-first.
The impact rang like a gong.
Water exploded outward—spray glittering in the sun—but the dome held.
Venya bounced back—laughing.
"Not bad, Decendant!"
She planted her feet—wings snapping wide again—then roared.
A cone of crimson flame erupted from her mouth—dragonfire, pure and searing—washing over the water dome.
Steam billowed—hissing violently.
The dome cracked—then shattered.
Mariana staggered—uniform soaked—aqua hair plastered to her face.
Venya was already on her.
She lunged—claws raking downward.
Mariana crossed her arms—water spiraling into twin shields.
