Daniel didn't pull his dagger back immediately. The tension from the impact still lingered between the locked blades as sparks faded into the air, but his eyes shifted for just a brief moment toward George.
George turned slightly at the same time. Their gazes meet in the middle of the chaos and despite everything pressing down on them both, a grin slowly formed across their faces.
It wasn't forced or uncertain. It came naturally, the kind of grin that only appeared when both of them understood exactly what kind of situation they had just stepped into.
They didn't need words to confirm it.
Peter saw that exchange clearly, and his expression hardened further as the situation settled in his mind.
The clean execution he had expected was already gone, replaced by far more troublesome battles. This fight would not end quickly and it would not be simple.
He clicked his tongue softly before shifting his stance, his voice cutting through the tension as he gave his command.
