Lidien tightened his grip on the blood whip, his gaze locked eye-to-eye with the Dragon's vertically slitted pupils.
The Dragon's face snarled into a smile, impressed by Lidien's bravery even as he noticed the slight tremor in his hands, no matter how fiercely he clutched the weapon.
"As expected of the Blessed of Death. You do not fear Death itself… you welcome it."
The Dragon's arms shook with fervor, conjuring a flame so fierce it parched the very air around them.
Lidien and Alva clenched their jaws, sweat pouring relentlessly down their bodies.
'Do not fight. They are here.'
The Monarch of Blood's voice resonated inside Lidien's mind. Uncertain who "they" were, he narrowed his eyes.
He saw the Dragon lift his arms and turn his attention to them both.
The Dragon grinned widely, his delight reaching its peak as he studied the boy who'd dared promise to spare his life.
