[House Karzath — Grand Hall — Continuation]
The wind screamed through the shattered entrance; moonlight spilled across the blood-soaked floor, broken pillars, dead knights, the scent of poison, and the scent of blood.
Between them, only silence remained. Lady Arinaya slowly adjusted her footing, one hand tightening around the knight's sword. Her breathing steadied.
Across from her...Azhrakaal smiled, his enormous black serpent body coiled lazily across the ruined hall, and his black eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Even now...you choose to point your sword at me."
Arinaya never lowered her weapon. "If I kneel...I die. If I fight...I may still die. So why would I choose the more pathetic death?"
Azhrakaal chuckled, a low...almost delighted laugh. "No wonder Rakhane found you troublesome."
He slowly began circling her. Each movement of his enormous tail crushed marble beneath its weight.
CRRRRKKK...
