Page 51 of A Serenade To The Elf Queen
I rush down the stairs, sword in hand. The Ashmedai wants my head. But I refuse to go down without a fight. I saw it earlier when I touched the demon. There’s a focal point of weakness in between the scales at the base of its cervical column. I run the calculation quickly in my head. With the right momentum, I can bury my weapon straight through its brainstem. This may work in theory…
Only one way to test it.
I pick my stand at the clearing, making sure the wind is blowing in my favor, veiling my scent.
“Rhianelle.”
My heart stalls in my chest over the sound of Svenn’s deep voice drifting from behind me. I whirl around to face him. Our eyes meet as he descends the last few steps of the staircase.
I’m too angry to cry. “Stop!”
Svenn halts over the stony steps. That word seems to be the only thing he understands.
“Go away! Don’t come to me!” I say to him desperately. He sees the anguish in my face and remains in his place.
It’s breaking my heart to say that to him. But the hope of saving him is the only thing keeping me together right now.
I hold my blade with both hands, raising it to eye level. This is the stance of the One Strike Soul Slasher from the temple of Kvatosh. I’ve seen Rainer perform this move dozens of times.
The earth rumbles with the arrival of my opponent. I take a deep steadying breath, counting the demon’s footsteps and speed. I can’t afford to mess this up.
The Ashmedai emerges from the forest with a deafening screech. “Found you, little elven bitch!”
I glimpse the sharp, jagged teeth, promising me a brutal end.
In this fraction of a second that parts me from death, I cast one last look at Svenn. His dark eyes are glimmering with longing and desire. My heart melts with that single gaze.
I can’t fail him.
I hold my ground firmly. Now is not the time for doubt. Not when I have someone relying on me for survival. This technique has to work.
You will be fine, the Un promises.
Time slows down as the demon charges straight towards me.
I can do this. I calm my chaotic pulse to focus on the weak spot on my target.
But the Ashmedai suddenly crashes to the ground in a blur of motion.
What in the—
I cover my face from the flying dirt and grass. My heart lurches as I stare at the pale demon’s convulsing form. Black fluid taints the earth from a gaping neck wound. The headless body thrashes violently before going still.
Svenn is holding the demon’s enormous head by the horn in one hand.
I blink.
Once.
Twice.
I do it again as if it can help me process what had just transpired before me. But the sight won’t seem to register in my head.
“I don’t understand…” My voice drifts into the air.
Svenn moved with a blinding speed and ripped the monster’s head like it was nothing.
That’s not possible.
