Fire lit in my eyes, and I poured all my ruthlessness into my movements. I struck, cut, attacked—wherever I could. I became faster, more unpredictable. And he couldn't keep up.
The world disappeared, leaving only the battle. Memories of another life flickered through me—like I had once been a warrior, and now I was calling upon that knowledge again. I moved with such speed that my opponent lost control. He no longer knew where I was, what to do.
In the background, I heard the roar of engines, the sound of footsteps, but I had no time to focus on them.
In one fatal moment, when my opponent was trying to anticipate my next strike, I struck. Ignoring my aching shoulder, I brought him down with my viper-like movements, pinning his head against the cobblestones.
As the motion ended, I exhaled, and only then did I realize—we were no longer alone.
The ruler and the general stood before me. Around them, the dark-clad warriors, all bearing the marks of battle. Some nodded wearily, then stepped forward and took the man away.
Before they dragged him off, the general looked at me. Then at my shoulder.
I locked eyes with him and sneered:
— He didn't fight fair.
Then I clutched my shoulder.
One of the dark-clad figures stepped up and wrapped it in bandages. In our training, we had learned things like this too—first aid, so we could help a comrade if they were injured.
The ruler had stood in silence until now. Then, in a deep, emotionless voice, he spoke:
— This was just another battle. It happens many times a year that one of our own tries to turn against us. For money. Out of betrayal. It's nothing new. We eliminate them easily. Those who don't raise a hand against us, we let go. Those who do, we remove their consciousness, and they live on unknowingly in their human lives.
He shrugged.
— This was nothing special. But… I hope you're alright, Avarka.
Oh wow, he knows my name. I might just faint. Oh wait, no, I'm just losing blood.
But jokes aside, I wasn't sure if this was concern or mockery. I didn't really care.
The general, however, straightened up and looked at me.
— You were fast. Efficient. But your moves weren't clean. The pain influenced you.
— I didn't really have another choice, did I? — I muttered.
He didn't reply. Just nodded.
We started walking towards the cars. But before I could get into mine, two dark-clad figures led me to another vehicle.
— Get in — they said.
I did. But when I looked up, a pair of venom-green eyes stared back at me.
The ruler.
I clenched my jaw.
Do I seriously have to travel with him?
What crime have I committed?
Then, in his usual cold voice, he spoke:
— I feel like we're being followed. We're going to a safe house before we return to the palace. The rest of the team is heading back to recover. The general is coming with us in another car.
Great.
— And me? — I muttered. — Don't I need to recover too?
He didn't answer.
I watched the scenery. The houses. The illuminated streets. And without meaning to, I muttered:
— Well, this is just great.
I had thought it so strongly that I hadn't even realized I'd said it out loud.
The ruler turned his gaze toward me.
And for a brief moment… he smiled.