Chapter 718 Time Slows, Blood Flows
Time seemed to slow down for the people inside the arena.
The first to move into action was Rodney. He felt his body become incredibly light, like wings had grown on his back, as he flew forward, trying to catch his queen.
Ulrick, who saw what happened, was about to dive forward as well, so no one would get hurt. But a second killing intent pulsed in the training room, this one much more vicious.
Immediately, he felt a heavy pressure slam into him, and he instantly knew this threat was much more dangerous.
Looking down toward the bleachers, he saw a blur go from the guest side to where his daughter was and knew what was happening.
He couldn't afford to care about Phoenix's well-being or his son's attempt at saving the girl. If he did, his daughter would die, he was certain.
He flash-stepped down, heading for his daughter, and got there at the same time as the other party dashing there.
Explosions occurred, as the sound barrier was pierced multiple times in a single second, and a cloud of dust was kicked up.
From outside, the visibility became null, as they waited, their breaths held. When the dust settled down, many things became obvious.
Down in the arena, Phoenix was on the ground, a few cuts on her arms and back, while Rodney was half impaled on the ice spikes, coughing blood.
The situation looked dire. But somehow, it was worse in the bleachers.
On the Lorhen side of the stands, the two servants were on the ground, eyes wide and mouths agape.
This was because everything had moved so fast, and now someone might die.
Ulrick, who had moved just fast enough, was now standing next to Astaroth, his blade pressed against the latter's throat. Already, blood trickled from the edge of the blade.
As for Astaroth, he was wrist deep into the Lorhen first daughter's chest, his arms covered in white fur, which was now stained with blood.
The daughter was looking down at the arm, fear in her eyes, as the burning pain of the hand wrapped around her heart pulsed throughout her body. Blood was leaking from her mouth.
"Let her go, King Astaroth. I swear if my daughter dies, I will make sure you die as well, and your kingdom burns. Do not make me go down this path."
Ulrick's voice trembled with a mix of fear for his daughter's life, and rage that someone had put her in this situation. He knew she had done this to herself, but as a father, he didn't care.
"She tried to kill Phoenix. Tell me, sir Ulrick. Why would she deserve to live? Do you think her life is worth more than Phoenix's? Choose your next words carefully."
There was no tremble in Astaroth's voice. Not even a shiver of anger.
He was already too far gone for this. Hell could break loose right now around him, and he wouldn't care.
But the beating heart in his hands would soon become paste, if Ulrick chose the wrong words.
"King Astaroth. Your queen is fine. But your commander requires medical attention. Let go of my daughter, and we can settle the situation. Act like this never happened. No one needs to die today."
Ulrick was starting to sweat. Not because he feared Astaroth.
But because there seemed to be no hesitation or fear in the young man's voice. A blade was pressed into his skin, and he seemed to disregard it entirely.
Ulrick even dug the blade a millimetre deeper, hoping to dissuade him from committing the irreparable.
"Astaroth! Rodney's dying!" Phoenix cried from the arena grounds, panic in her voice.
The spikes in Rodney's body were starting to melt away, both because of his body heat, but also because Mariah was no longer maintaining the spell, her consciousness fading from the pain of the hand in her chest, holding her beating heart.
A deep, guttural growl escaped Astaroth's lips as his face neared Mariah's
"I want you to remember this moment for the rest of your miserable life. Know that the very woman you tried to kill is the reason you will survive today. Not your daddy. Nor you mommy. Not the threat of war. Her, and the importance I give to your brother's life."
Astaroth yanked his hand out of the young woman's chest, blood splattering everywhere, and turned around to go check on Rodney.
Immediately, Ulrick took action.
"Get the healers in here! Now! If a single person dies, I will blame them!" he shouted to the air, where he knew the Mana Knights were watching from.
It instantly became hectic outside, as the young knights scrambled to get the healers into the training portal. Their time was counted.
Astaroth jumped into the arena, dashing toward Rodney, as his meld undid itself.
*Cough cough* *Splatter*
Blood hit the dirt ground, seeping into the dry compacted soil, as Rodney looked up to the bleachers, past Astaroth.
He could see his wounded sister in his father's arms, and his first thought was for her safety.
Turning to lock eyes with Astaroth, he asked, "Did you let her live?"
Astaroth nodded his head, his teeth clenching.
"Her safety is not important over yours, Rodney. You need to focus on staying awake. Understand?"
Rodney slowly blinked, feeling his life slip away.
"It is important. I wouldn't want a war to start because of me. It would haunt me into the afterlife."
*Cough cough*
"Stop talking, you idiot! Focus on staying awake, and only that. Luna! Come out. Start healing him!"
The small girl appeared behind Astaroth, her face already filled with worry, as her hands lit up in a soft milky glow. She pressed them against Rodney's chest, the icicles already melted away, leaving gaping holes in his body, which were slowly closing.
"Come on. Hang in there," Astaroth said, his teeth clenched.
"Don't you dare die from saving me, you idiot! I wouldn't forgive myself," Phoenix added, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Blinking again, his eyes feeling so heavy, Rodney forced a smile on his lips.
"Thank you. For everything."
A long sigh escaped his lips as the words left them, his eyes going dull.
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