"Choose!" Lord Evlon said, staring down imperiously at the smaller-framed Elaine.
The inquisitor holding the emperor let go of his spear, pulling a knife and laying it to the emperor's throat. His dropped weapon remained floating by his side, held aloft by a tendril of mana.
"You dare…? " she growled.
Lord Evlon shrugged. "After so much, what more is a little provocation? Besides, you have much bigger things to worry about than a drop of blood. Isn't that right, filthblood?" His disdain turned to curiosity. "Though I am curious why you seem to know what's happening."
Another bead of blood oozed past the blade at my throat, dribbling down the gleaming steel before dripping onto my collarbone. I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, and certainly couldn't reply.
"Don't hurt her!" R'lissea cried, but stiffened as the inquisitor holding her tightened his grip on her throat.
