Azula leapt over the kick and once again showed she had no qualms or fears getting into the personal space of someone who could take her head off. Kung-fu Firebending was all about aggressive attacks, releasing and focusing motion into devastating action.

Azula released her left hand in a snapping straight arm punch, aimed for Illyria's throat and just as she was about to crush Illyria's throat her hand stilled.

Illyria could take her head off at this range. It was a gamble. They have, metaphorically speaking, knives at each others throats.

Azula's stilled knife on Illyria's throat was an invitation to cease hostilities. For the moment.