The Umbra

Chapter Fifteen: The Unknown

Heart drumming at a rapid pace, Selene stood before Sullivan in a guarded stance, her muscles tense and ready for action. She braced herself, expecting him to charge at any moment, but instead, he gave her a questioning look before letting out a chuckle that sent a flush creeping up her cheeks. 

"Do you really think I brought you here to spar when you don't even know the basics of combat?" He asked.

Selene's cheeks warmed even further at the realization of her assumption, but she maintained her stance, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Sullivan. "I was a black belt in my taekwondo class." She retorted, her voice carrying a hint of defiance.

Sullivan couldn't help but burst into laughter, though he quickly composed himself, not wanting to undermine Selene's determination. "And I'm an ancient demon." He replied with a smirk, his eyes sparkling mischievously as he disintegrated into dark smoke, reappearing in a corner of the room.

Watching him teleport effortlessly, Selene felt a mix of awe and determination wash over her. She had grown accustomed to his teleportation, but the desire to learn the skill herself burned within her like an unquenchable flame.

"Yet I pinned you to a wall without lifting a finger." She reminded him, a competitive spirit rose from within her. Although Sullivan was tight, she wouldn't give him an easy win.

As Sullivan's eyes hardened in response to her challenge, Selene steeled herself, her resolve unyielding despite the growing tension in the room. With an abrupt but subtle shift in her weight, she prepared to strike, her right hand forming into a firm fist as she whirled around with practiced agility, aiming to deliver a decisive blow to Sullivan's throat.

But Sullivan was no stranger to combat, and his reflexes were as sharp as his wit. With lightning speed, he intercepted Selene's fist, his palm closing around her hand with a vice-like grip. Selene gasped at the sudden turn of events, her body halting in disbelief as she found herself immobilized by Sullivan's strength and speed.

"Not bad." Sullivan remarked, his voice dripping with approval as he held Selene's gaze with unwavering intensity. With a subtle exertion of his demonic strength, he effortlessly flung Selene across the room, sending her crashing into the unforgiving surface of a nearby wall. The impact knocked the wind from her lungs, leaving her momentarily stunned as she struggled to regain her composure.

Selene rose from the ground, her muscles slightly protesting with each movement, yet her gaze remained fixed on Sullivan with unwavering conviction. The room seemed to pulse with anticipation as she squared her shoulders, ready to face whatever challenge the demon had in store. "Can't get rid of me that easily." She joked darkly as the pain seized.

Sullivan observed her with keen interest, his crimson eyes flickering with a mix of curiosity and calculation. He noted the slight tremor in her limbs, the beads of sweat glistening on her brow, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for her resilience. But he had a task at hand—to push her to her physical and mental limits, to test the boundaries of her strength and determination.

Sullivan chuckled at her persistence, a glint of admiration shining in his crimson eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it." He replied with a smirk, his stance relaxed yet poised for action.

With a playful grin, Sullivan dodged her initial punch with ease, his movements fluid and graceful. He pranced around her with the agility of a seasoned warrior, his eyes never leaving her as he assessed her every move. But beneath his playful demeanor, his mind was racing, crossing off mental lists of creatures Selene couldn't be—a witch, but she was a fighter, a survivor.

Meanwhile, Selene pressed forward with dogged determination, her focus unwavering despite the ache in her muscles. Each blow she delivered was fueled by a fierce determination to prove herself, to show Sullivan that she was more than capable of holding her own. But with each strike he deflected, each attack he countered, she could feel her frustration mounting.