“An audience for you, Acolyte. Come to bear witness to the end of that wretched light inside of you. Don’t keep them waiting. One more bout, and you can rest.”
Azrael moved to put himself between the Umbral and me, but I held out a bloody hand to stop him, causing his features to twist in confusion.
“Why?” I asked, tracing the tethers that connected us with my gaze.
“Because we knew that you were going to do something stupid,” Bastien answered.
“The others made it safely to the main cathedral,” Azrael added. “We encountered a larger group on our way down and sent them in the same direction. Were they like the others?”
I nodded.
“You’re incredible,” Azrael replied, violet eyes alight with the brutal honesty he wielded. “They are lucky to have you as their leader.”
“I wouldn’t say—” my words faltered, my vision narrowing.
Strong, warm hands caught me, keeping me from hitting the floor.
“Hey!” Azrael’s face was suddenly so close, those violet eyes filled with concern.
Bastien flanked my opposite side, both of them keeping me upright as the terrible pounding in my head battered my thoughts.
“One more bout,” called the Umbral in a sing-song voice, and Azrael let out another growl.
“What are they talking about?” Bastien questioned me.
“A wager,” I explained, my words slurring off my leaden tongue. “The first to three points wins, and the loser must oblige their demands.”
Bastien exhaled his disappointment. “Games? Really?”
“It seemed like the only way,” I pleaded, wanting so desperately for him to understand.
“Why haven’t you healed yourself?” Azrael chimed in.
Bastien answered for me.
“Because those are wounds from a Sanguine blade, aren’t they?”
I nodded.
“Gods, Cirian. You’re lucky to be breathing!”
“I’m lucky to have you two holding me up,” I added.
“How many points do you have?”
I pressed my forefinger to my thumb, creating a circle.
“You can’t go on like this,” Azrael said.
“I have to.”
“What happens if you lose?”
“The Umbral gets to smother out the Source, I’d imagine.”
Bastien stared over my shoulder at my opponent, his calculating eyes hiding the beautiful machinations of his mind. He was beautiful in so many ways, but this very well may havebeen my favorite. I reached with my bloodied hand, plucking at the tether between us, and he jolted, his attention returning to me.
“You can’t get me out of this one, Bast. I have to own it.”
