Serenya met Maxx's stunned gaze.
"Debt paid," she said, smirking triumphantly.
For a moment, Maxx just stared. Then he burst out laughing.
Chapter 36
AMARIA
Through the wreckage, I saw him.
Brannick.
He fought like a thing possessed—weapon swinging wild, face streaked with grime and sweat. Still loyal. Still stupid. Still choosing the wrong side like it was a religion.
Our eyes met.
His face split open with recognition, then horror.
He saw me standing. Unbound. Daggers in hand. His rhythm faltered.
The guard he'd been fighting didn't hesitate. Shield rammed into Brannick's ribs. He lurched, gasped, lost his grip on his weapon. It clattered against the stone.
Eryndor cut the guard down before he could finish the job.
Thank you.
I moved.
Brutal focus on my prey.
He saw me coming and scrambled for his fallen blade, too slow. I stalked closer while he fumbled.
My dagger was at his throat before his fingers touched the hilt.
The edge bit into skin. A thin line of red welled up beneath the steel.
"Amaria—" His voice broke. "Little flame, please—"
"You told me something once."
My voice came out quiet.
"Kill false hope before it kills the ones you love."
His breath hitched. His eyes went still. He knew.
“I’m taking that advice.”
I drove the blade in.
It was easier than I thought it would be. Muscle parted like an apology.
His pupils dilated. His hands flew up, gripped my forearms—not to stop me, but to pull me closer. His mouth worked frantically, blood bubbled over his lips, staining his teeth crimson.
“Amaria—wait—Kaelen’s spell—”
I twisted the blade. Silencing the lie.
