"Rules are simple. The match ends upon surrender, knockout, or ring-out. No lethal intent. No permanent injury. No looms. Thirty-minute limit."
She raised her hand.
"Battle start."
Dun stepped forward confidently and cracked his neck. "Do not worry, Lord Lioren. I alone will take care of this presumptuous brat."
Lioren nodded, a dazzling grin aimed straight at me.
I returned it with one of my own, lacking both charm and the dazzling part. As much as I hated to admit it, the guy really was unfairly handsome.
I walked forward as well, matching Dun's pace, quietly enhancing my right hand.
When we were only a short distance apart, Dun stopped and crossed his arms.
"Just so you know," he said smugly, "I am not as kind as Lord Lioren over there. You should beg for forgiveness before it is too late."
With my hand still brimming with energy, I stretched casually and cleaned my ear with a finger.
That did it.
