“We won’t have to. Ridigar’s little failed assassination attempt led me closer than you think. Slipping in and out of the Eternal Forest. Clever,” Ronen bluffed.
Her cocky laughter paused for a quick second before she shook her head.
“You have no idea how we’re evading you, and you won’t until it’s far too late. I’ve seen it. Now, I have an army to return to. Farewell, darling.”
Ni started to collapse as if the voice had taken her strength.
Ichi’s blade thrust through her chest before she hit the ground.
“From Heaven to Hell. From hope to judgment. May your soul wait in the emptiness.”
Ichi ripped her blade free, and Ni’s demonic body slumped against the stone. A bright white light coalesced above the body before stretching and seeping into Ichi’s sword.
I had no words.
I understood Ni was a demon, but how Ichi had the strength to kill her shocked me.
“A Soul Sword,” Ronen breathed.
Ichi nodded.
“While yours is an inescapable prison, mine is a temporary tomb. It will hold souls of my choosing, existing without time, thought, or emotion until I release them.”
“Are you okay?” I searched her face, still not comprehending how she could be talking about her sword.
And Ronen—he seemed less shocked.
Sadly, I didn’t think death fazed him.
“Okay? No. Accepting? Yes. I did my duty to my sister by stealing her soul back before she could be disgraced anymore.”
“I don’t?—”
Ichi touched my arm as if to comfortme.
Her honey-colored eye held sadness, but also something firm.
“Honor and sacrifice is our way. She would’ve wanted this. I tried to give you two time to gather information. I apologize for her marking you again, Princess.”
She bowed.
“Please don’t.”
Heavenly Hell.
She’d just shoved a sword in her demon sister’s chest and sucked her leftover soul into her tomb sword.
If that had been Oliver, I would’ve done anything in my power to rescue him.
“Your secret will never be spoken to another,” she assured.
This female.
I shook my head and hugged her.
Her body tensed beneath my abrupt touch.
“I’m sorry, Ichi.”
