Page 36 of Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

“I understand that.”

“I’m not sure that you do.”

I laughed. “You have no idea the things I’ve seen. The things I’ve done. I’m a killer too, Atrius. Don’t underestimate me.”

His eyes narrowed. Then he turned around and rummaged through a pile of packs in the corner. When he returned, my heartleapt—he was bearing my sword, which had been taken the night Erekkus had brought me from the inn.

He said nothing as he handed it to me, nor as I cradled it for a long moment.

And then, just as I was about to open my mouth to thank him, he drew his sword and swung it.

The strike was perfectly executed—so sudden and swift and glass-smooth it barely rippled the air, and it was aimed right at my throat.

He was good. Fast. But I was faster. I sensed the movement before he could execute it.

I drew my own weapon, letting the scabbard fall to the ground as I met his swing.

The clash of our weapons, steel against steel, reverberated through the tent. My weapon—sleeker than his, a rapier compared to his saber—strained under the weight of his strike.

But he didn’t rely on his strength alone. He didn’t let the contest hold for more than a few seconds before he pulled back and came at me again.

I couldn’t let him draw blood. I knew he, like his men, surely wielded blood magic. One nick of my skin and I was done.

No, I wouldn’t let him get that far.

I matched his speed, anticipating his movements. It was harder than I was used to. Most minds hinted at their next move before their muscles did, but not Atrius’s. It was as if he fought completely in the moment, not thinking ahead but wholly reacting, relying on instinct.

Our steel met again, again, again. We circled around the room, dancing through the small space, the close quarters making each strike focused and efficient.

I didn’t mind fighting. Didn’t mind letting him toy with me. Actually, I relished the opportunity to observe him—even if every new piece of information seemed to only hint at a new mystery.

I stumbled as a particularly strong blow nearly flung me through the tent wall.

A smile twisted his lips—just a hint of satisfaction, there and gone again.

That little smile changed everything. Enough playing. It wastime to end this.

I let my breath steady, let the threads of my magic reach across the room.

I drew one from myself to the other side of the tent, just behind Atrius.

Pulled it tight. Tight. Tight.

Stepped into it.

The world collapsed, shifted, rearranged in less than a second, and then I was standing behind him.

Atrius was tall, but not so tall I couldn’t position my blade against his throat, my other arm wrapped around his body.

“I win,” I said.

I tried not to sound smug.

Tried.

His body was pressed against mine. I felt his muscles tense with surprise, even if no part of his presence betrayed it. Felt the exhale as he realized what I’d just done.

He raised his hands.

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