Page 30 of The Ascended
"Nothing personal," he said, already moving.
The first attack came fast. I got my sword up just in time, the blade absorbing the impact, but the force still sent me sliding backward. My arms screamed with the shock of it.
Another blast. Another desperate block.
I was going to die here. Unless I killed him first.
The thought hit me like ice water. I'd never killed anyone. Never even wanted to. But as another energy blast charged between his palms, survival instinct kicked in.
I had to move. Had to?—
He hesitated. Maybe rebuilding his attack, maybe just catching his breath. I didn't care. This was my chance.
I lunged forward, star-sword raised, every muscle in my body screaming as I closed the distance between us. He saw me coming. Started to raise his hands. Too late.
The blade was inches from his throat when the horn sounded. Both my opponent and I froze, our eyes snapping towards the Legends.
One of them had raised her hand.
"You have both proven yourselves exceptional," she announced, her voice like honey. "Congratulations, Thais and Vance. Next group."
I was breathing hard, my whole body shaking from adrenalineand terror. The Legends looked vaguely amused but were already losing interest.
No. I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.
"Wait!" I screamed, terrified that the same magic that had brought me here was about to whisk me away. "Please!"
Every gaze snagged back to me.
"Please, I must speak with you!" I begged, walking toward the thrones on unsteady legs, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity despite the bodies I was passing.
Their eyes followed my movement, and I found myself making brief eye contact with Xül. The intensity of his stare sent lightning through my veins—he was the most intimidating presence I'd ever encountered. I couldn't hold his gaze, so I turned toward the one who had stopped the fighting.
She simply raised a perfect eyebrow.
"There has been a mistake in the calling of the blessed," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "My brother has been brought here based on assumption, but I must request that you let him go. He has no powers."
Murmurs rippled through them.
"I believe the Aesymar would not allow the murder of someone unable to defend themselves," I continued, letting desperate sincerity bleed into my voice. "Someone who has not been blessed shouldn't be allowed to participate. This has all been a misunderstanding."
"How touching," another of the Legends drawled, examining her nails. "The devoted sister, willing to risk everything for her beloved brother."
"Oh, Elysia," Nyvora said with a laugh. "The sentiment truly does warm my heart. How sweet the love of siblings can be."
Hope fluttered in my chest. If they loved a story, maybe this could actually work. It would only make them look more just and merciful if they spared an innocent life.
"What do you think, Miria?" Drakor asked, his gaze shifting tothe woman who had stopped the fight. "Any thoughts on sibling devotion?"
Miria pursed her perfect lips, but she did not answer him.
Drakor trained his eyes on me. And when he smiled, it was like watching a leopard bare its teeth.
"How about we meet this brother of yours?" he said, his voice carrying the bored tone of someone suggesting tea. "Bring him in."
Chapter 8
Blood and Stone
