Chương 3: Lucas Morte

Felicity and Lucas stared at each other for long seconds, motionless, as an unnatural silence fell over the inn. Then Lucas launched his attack. His slash was powerful and decisive, carrying the full force of his body behind it. Felicity crossed both swords to block it, but the impact forced her back several steps: the difference in strength between them was obvious. Lucas drove her back with a series of brutal blows, then, with a violent kick to the chest, sent her crashing through the window.

The glass exploded into a thousand shards, and Felicity was thrown outside, landing in the mud. Lucas immediately followed her, smiling.

"For a demon…you're pretty weak". Felicity slowly rose to her feet, mud dripping from her clothes.

"You talk too much". Lucas burst into laughter and attacked again. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. He thrust his blade repeatedly with fast, precise strikes. Felicity dodged and parried every slash, fighting defensively, until one of the blows reached her: the blade cut across her stomach. Felicity gritted her teeth, holding back the pain, and stepped back.

"You know" Lucas said calmly, "I took part in your clan's massacre. Killing those demons, one after another…it was extremely satisfying. We freed the world from your evil". Felicity glared at him, her eyes burning with fury.

"You murdered innocent men, women, and children" she growled.

"All because of the King's lies. You are the real evil. And that's why I'll kill you and everyone who took part in that massacre!" With a muffled cry, she charged at him, unleashing a barrage of air slashes. Lucas blocked them coldly, then took advantage of an opening: his sword plunged once more into Felicity's stomach, tearing open a deep wound. Felicity staggered back, one hand clutching her bleeding abdomen. She tried to remain standing, but her legs gave out.

She fell to her knees, her head spinning as blood continued to pour from the wound. Lucas approached with slow, confident steps.

"The last member of the Prinz clan to die by my hand" he said.

"When I bring your head to the King, he'll let me join the ranks of his army. I'm certain of it". He raised his sword, ready to strike at her neck. Suddenly, Leah hit him in the back of the head with a rock. Lucas staggered, bringing a hand to his head as he turned sharply toward her. Leah struck him again, this time in the forehead. The man reeled, took an uncertain step, then collapsed face-first into the mud, unconscious. Leah ran to Felicity, knelt beside her, and lifted her head.

"Hold on…hold on, please!" she sobbed.

"Don't die! If you die, I'm doomed too, please, don't die!" Felicity looked into her eyes for a brief moment, her breathing broken. Then she lost consciousness.