Ilona's legs felt weak beneath her. The world spun around, and her blood rushed in her ears. The cave was silent except for the sounds of the fire, her panting, and Charlie choking and moaning as his life slowly slipped away where he lay on the ground next to Pierce Vane.
"N-No," Ilona whispered, "You're... You're lying. You didn't kill Mason..."
"Well, I suppose you are technically right about that," Vane spoke, scratching his chin, "I didn't take his life myself... but I did cause it."
"Speak clearly, Vane, or don't speak at all!" Ilona shouted, raising her sword in trembling hands and pointing it at him.
A cruel, crooked tooth grin formed on the man's face.
