Vorin understood the problem now.
Kiad's open-hand approach had been a trap—offering a real technique specifically because Vorin's ability would copy it, and copying it meant using it back exactly as received, which meant Kiad knew exactly what was coming and could sever it the same way he severed everything else.
Vorin needed a technique Kiad couldn't anticipate.
Which meant he needed a hit that Kiad hadn't deliberately fed him—a strike Kiad threw for a reason other than bait, something Kiad needed to land for some other purpose and would be forced to deliver with real force because the severance itself would interfere with that purpose.
He had no way to force that.
Kiad approached again.
This time the rhythm was different—faster, the measured pace replaced with something more committed, Kiad closing the distance with the specific quality of someone executing a plan rather than continuing a pattern.
