SEVENTY FIVE: Never Did

"Finish this quickly."

Even if Kel hadn't spoken up, it was clear that Calix already intended to do just that.

He yanked his sword out of the deadlock, sending Leif flying backward.

The boy immediately began to gather himself but froze as Calix stomped toward him.

"W-What is this?"

With his mouth gaping, Leif glanced bewilderedly between Calix and Kel before shaking his head and jumping to his feet once again.

At first, Kel didn't understand what had thrown the young king off momentarily, but then she noticed something strange.

Along the Emperor's hands and neck, webs of orange glowed from beneath his skin--as if the blood flowing through his veins had been replaced by fire.

"Urk!"

Leif barely had the time to raise his sword again as Calix lunged.

With a crack that echoed through the hall, both men were thrown back. Shimmering fragments of Leif's sword rained down, slicing any exposed skin on the unfortunate onlookers.