Blood splattered across Rowan's face as the sword edged closer, and just when Alaric smirked as though victory was his, Rowan twisted the blade sharply aside with all the strength he had left. Alaric lost his balance and stumbled forward, and in that moment Rowan slammed his head directly into his face.
Alaric fell hard onto the ground, blood rushing from his nose as he clutched it in pain. Rowan rose slowly and immediately pointed the sword at him.
"This nonsense is over," he said coldly.
Alaric looked up at him through bloodied eyes, anger burning through his expression.
Rowan then lowered the sword and threw it aside.
"Only I decide when it is over." Alaric said, struggling back to his feet, blood still dripping down his face, but Rowan struck him again before he could fully regain balance, sending him crashing back to the ground.
"If it wasn't clear before, it is now," Rowan said, his voice sharp as he stood over him. "You never stood a chance against me."
