Karven stood tall, one foot grinding down on Zain's throat.
His voice was quiet and threatening.
"I'm giving you a chance, Velra."
Velra didn't move.
Her fists were clenched, eyes locked between the two men.
Karven tilted his head, sneering.
"Come back to me.'
"Be what you were always meant to be."
"Mine. My blade. My slave."
Zain coughed beneath his boot, blood spilling from his mouth.
But even in pain, he was grinning.
Karven pressed harder on Zain's throat.
"Or die with him."
Velra's brow furrowed.
She looked at Zain
And then at Kraven.
Karven extended his arm and conjured a red blade from his blood.
He tossed it at her feet.
"I'll make it easy."
He gestured to the sword.
"Take it. Kill this bastard."
Velra stared down at the blade.
She slowly bent, picking it up.
Karven grinned. "Good girl. Now… finish it."
Zain, below, didn't flinch.
He looked up at her, one eye swollen shut.
"Do it, Velra."
Velra closed her eyes. Her shoulders shook.
Then she moved.
