The clash of steel echoed through the throne room as Xei's blade struck with deadly precision. Sai barely dodged, flames surging around him as he countered with a desperate blast of fire. The inferno roared, engulfing the room, but Xei emerged unscathed, cutting through the flames like a shadow.
"He's too fast!" Amal shouted, her sword meeting Xei's blade in a screech of metal. The impact sent her staggering back, her hands trembling from the force.
Xei moved like lightning—silent, relentless, every strike calculated. He lunged toward Sai, his sword a silver blur. Sai summoned a wall of fire in defense, but Xei carved through it with one swing, the flames dying instantly.
Sai's eyes widened. How is he cutting through my fire?
Before he could react, Xei was upon him. The hilt of Xei's sword crashed into Sai's chest, sending him sprawling to the marble floor. Sai gasped for breath, the impact rattling his ribs.
Amal charged from behind, her blade aimed for Xei's back. "You're mine!"
Without turning, Xei twisted his sword backward, meeting Amal's strike with impossible precision. The force sent her crashing into a column. She slumped to the ground, blood trickling from her lip.
Sai pushed himself up, flames sparking in his palms. "Xei! Stop this! You know me!"
Xei's gaze remained empty, void of recognition. "The weak do not deserve mercy."
He advanced, his sword raised high.
Sai roared, hurling a wave of fire with all his strength. The flames exploded across the room, swallowing Xei in a blinding inferno. For a moment, there was silence.
Then Xei stepped out of the blaze, his armor untouched.
Sai's heart sank. He's unstoppable.
Xei raised his sword, the tip aimed at Sai's throat. "Your rebellion ends here."
Amal staggered to her feet, bloodied but defiant. "Sai… we can't win this."
Sai's hands trembled as Xei closed in. They were outmatched. Amal grabbed his arm. "We have to go. Now."
Xei swung, but Sai unleashed a final blast of fire, blinding him for an instant. Grabbing Amal, Sai turned and ran, the sounds of Xei's footsteps echoing behind them.
"Run all you like," Xei's voice called. "You cannot escape."