The instant Caleb’s blade was about to kiss Jared, Jared moved. He did not unsheathe Dragonslayer Sword. Instead, swayed his torso a fraction to the side.

It was like willow leaves caught in a spring breeze, slow only to the eye, yet somehow fast enough to let steel slip past harmlessly. At the same time, pressed his fore, and middle fingers together and flicked the surface of Caleb’s blade.

Ding! The note rang clear as crystal. A strange force hummed along the sword, numbing Caleb’s wrist. The weapon kicked upward, no longer his to command.

Panic cracked across Caleb’s face. He tried to pull back, but Jared was already there in a flash. His fingertips were haloed in pale gold, driving straight for Caleb’s sword hand.

That single touch erased every escape Caleb had rehearsed. Instinct screamed. He let go of the hilt and staggered backward, desperate for distance.

Jared allowed none. He slid in half a step, right foot gliding after the left. His whole body seemed to merge with Caleb’s shadow. Then his left hand came to rest, almost tenderly, on Caleb’s shoulder.

“Thank you for the lesson…” Jared’s voice was soft, almost courteous.