"She responds to people who refuse to accommodate her," Diana said, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial murmur. "Most people who spar with Aurelia dance around her."
"They hold back... They soften their strikes because she is Aurelia Morr Nightwing, the household head's daughter!"
"A woman of immense standing and someone who could shatter your ribs without breaking her stride if she weren't consciously restraining herself."
"That accommodation makes her dull and it makes her sharp in a way she despises..."
"She doesn't want a dance partner, Rex... but she wants someone who fights like they actually mean to hurt her."
Rex's jaw tightened. 'I've kicked her ass before... the second time won't be any different.'
The implications settled into his mind like lead. This wasn't a request for assistance; it was a test of intent.
"Anything else?" he pressed, his eyes narrowing. "You knew her for years through Theo."
