My whole body ached, every muscle screaming in protest as I sank deeper into the velvet-cushioned chair of the king's chamber. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm, golden light across the room, but it did little to soothe the throbbing pain that coursed through me. I cursed under my breath, shifting slightly to ease the strain on my battered limbs.
"Damn that Rodrick," I muttered, rubbing my sore shoulder. "How the hell did he break through in the middle of the fight?"
I had sparred with Rodrick several times in my mind, but today was different. Something had changed during our battle. He had ascended—right there in the middle of our fight—his aura flaring with newfound power, and suddenly, he became nearly unstoppable. It was impressive, sure, but it also left me nursing more bruises than I'd care to admit. Not that I'd let him know that.
