They crashed through the second floor, sword meeting sword, fists slamming against steel and flesh. Sparks flew with every strike. Blood smeared the walls.
The king grunted, deflecting a heavy slash from Daemon. "You're not fast enough," he growled, lunging forward.
But Daemon's eyes widened as he noticed the Killing intent from Above.
Daemon's body moved on instinct. He leapt sideways just as the ceiling cracked
BOOM!
an explosion of poison shattered the tiles where he'd stood. Acid hissed against the marble.
The mage dropped from the rafters, his robe in tatters, half his face melted, one eye missing yet the rage in his remaining eye burned hotter than hell.
Caius.
Daemon rose to his feet, blade in hand. "You've gotta be kidding me."
The mage staggered forward, grinning despite the hole in his cheek. "Surprised? Thought I was dead, didn't you?"
"Honestly? I hoped."
