I Will be Gentle

"An inch away from death."

Those were the five words that swirled within Rati's mind as her eyes fell upon those nine bolts that would have undoubtedly driven her into an early grave. No, she wouldn't die, but getting crippled was a must.

With her third layer Seer's Vision and Truth Seer status, even with the Forest's restrictions, there was simply no way her awareness should have fallen to such a laughable level. But when the Essence Nurturing Forest's pressure mixed with that Rudra's overpowering presence, it became a whole other matter.

Fortunately, the scourge also turned out to be an impregnable shield. Otherwise...well, best not dwell on sordid matters. Breaking the kiss, Konrad held Rati within the gentle, yet firm grasp of his right arm while shifting his gaze toward the distant trees whose shadows concealed nine figures Rati was now familiar with. Even before they revealed themselves, she knew those arrows couldn't have other owners.