Through ashes and blood

"Thanks but I'll pass." There was no doubt in my mind.

I probably won't walk out of this alive, but at least I'll be able to sleep peacefully in my grave knowing that I tried. However, I will not go down without a fight. I didn't like where my thoughts were going, but I did want to keep living.

Instead of being surprised the demon became excited. "I can see why he was so fixated on you: you have bones after all. Too bad, but I'll just apologize to him when I meet him next. Let's have some fun," he said.

A large cleaver with jagged edges emerged from a ball of water next to him. With a sharp look, he charged straight at me, grabbing the cleaver. Damn, he was fast. I didn't even have a chance to blink. It took my all, to just dodge the first blow.

Lianne and the elf boy engaged the princess as the battle began.

"Is that all you've got?" He said as he swung his cleaver lightly. "And I would advise you not to look away during an important battle." He chuckled.