“Secrets,” Killian said, bitterly. “So many fucking secrets.”
Moving slowly, like he had all the time in the world, Fyar yanked the other half of the twin swords out of Lyra’s chest and twirled the blade in his hands.
Killian took a deep breath. He’d expected nothing less.
Turning his head just enough to speak over his shoulder, Killian urged Kade to run. “You need to go. Now. Go through the city. Steal a horse as soon as you can. The border to Avaan is a four day ride north—you can make it in two if you push your horse. Don’t stop. Not for anything. Not for anyone.”
Kade was horrified. “I won’t leave you.”
“You’ll die if you stay.”
“And you’ll die if I go.”
“A small price to pay for your freedom.”
Shaking his head, Kade remained stubborn.
“Dammit, Kade!” Killian was desperate. “Can’t you just listen to me for once in your fucking life?”
“No,” Kade said simply. “I’d rather die here with you. I won’t leave. You can’t make me!”
“How touching,” drawled Fyar. His voice dripping venom. “How romantic. Lucky for you, I can make that happen. I’ll make it quick. I promise.”
Killian knew Fyar was good for his word. So he threw Kade away from him, pushing him towards the edge of the clearing. “Go! Damn you! Go!”
Kade stumbled, tripping on his feet, but seeing Killian’s face he finally understood. He backed away slowly, to the edge of the fog, but hovered, watching.
But Killian couldn’t worry about that now.
For a moment, neither Fyar nor Killian moved. They stood across from each other, both worn and weary, both injured. Both reluctant.
Neither wanted this, but what other choice was there?
It was hard to say who moved first. They met in the middle.
How many times had they sparred? How many hours had they spent on the sands grappling and fighting, with bare fists and swords?
They knew each other’s habits and styles and tricks.
But over all those years, Fyar hadn’t used his magic—he hadn’t needed to. It was simple fun. So now, Killian could read him, understand him, predict him, but his hits were harder to take, harder to block, harder to weather against.
Killian yelled again for Kade to go, but he couldn’t spare a moments distraction to see if he’d listened.
Killian didn’t have much time left.
It was over the moment Fyar disarmed him, the moment he sent Killian’s sword clattering out of reach.
A scream echoed through the clearing as Fyar’s arm pulled back, sword raised high.
Killian closed his eyes.
Accepting.
This was it.
The bite of steel never came.
Killian opened his eyes.
