Chapter 31

"After everyone agrees, we suspend the meeting for the duration of this fight and the rest of the day. We'll continue tomorrow." Announced Devon and continued after a short pause: "Raia and Darian will now fight for the human female and only one will survive this fight. Everything is allowed…"

Then he turned to Kyla. A cold smile played around his lips: "There you have your chance..."

A chill ran down Kyla's spine. She took a step further into the room.

"Liara. Come here, come to me.” Azamir stepped to Kyla's side and as his hand slipped into hers, she whispered to him, “Stay with her and please take care of her.” Azamir nodded.

Liara sat up and after Darian released the rope she staggered towards her friend. As she stood in front of Kyla, she drew her sword and severed the bonds. Then she gestured for her to sit down in her chair. Tears were still running down Liara's face and Kyla gently stroked her head. "Calm down, do you hear? Nothing can happen to you anymore. you are here now I'll take care of you..." as before, she added mentally and turned to both of them: "Now listen to me. No matter what happens, you will not interfere. I'll be fine, so don't worry."

After a weak nod from Liara, Kyla rose and turned to Darian.

That one had already drawn his sword and was waiting for her with a wide grin.

Kyla swallowed. She had nowhere near his strength, nor his speed. So how, should she win this fight?

Their eyes met and immediately afterwards the clash of swords was heard. Kyla felt the power of Darian only too clearly and her arm ached from the force of his punches. She still had no idea how to win this fight. For now, Kyla couldn't do anything but keep dodging or parrying him.

She searched desperately for a solution. Suddenly she stopped for a second. It seemed to her that she heard a voice. But when her eyes flicked towards those present, she knew that everyone was silent. Darian took the chance and his blade grazed Kyla's arm, who managed to dodge at the last moment before digging deeper into her flesh.

Darian was still grinning. It all seemed like a game to him. His body literally trembled with joy for the coming hours in which he could devote himself to the other two after SHE was dead.

His tongue slid across his lips and combined with that smirk, made his face a fearsome grimace.

He kept pushing Kyla back. He sensed that she wasn't quite into the fight, even though it would have been better for her. But it was easier for him that way.

He put more power into each subsequent blow and Kyla found it visibly difficult to hold her sword at all.

Kyla hissed as Darian's steel grazed her flesh again. Immediately the fabric of her pants turned red and ran down her leg. Kyla stumbled. As she lay on the ground, her hand grabbed the wound on her thigh. "Apparently not too deep," she murmured to herself, narrowly dodging her opponent's next punch.

Kyla rolled over the floor and used the free seconds to get back on her feet.

Use your power! Again that voice rang in her head, but this time loud and clear. Why did she look familiar? Kyla didn't know and damn it, what power was she talking about? Kyla was growing increasingly frustrated.

When Darian approached her again, she managed to dodge his blow from above and elbowed him in the ribs with all her might.

Didn't Devon say anything goes? So why fight with guns? Hadn't she had combat training in her youth? And why did she only remember now? Kyla cursed herself.

With renewed hope and confidence, she tossed her sword aside. She carefully placed her left foot further forward and bent her arms slightly.

"She's crazy." Astaroth scoffed, grinning over at Beleth and Xarfai.

"She won't make it. He'll kill her.” Bathin chimed in, the smile on his lips showing his delight at that.

Devon remained silent and continued to watch the fight that only one of them would survive.

Darian let out a low growl. It didn't sit well with him that Kyla had landed a hit. He charged again, but she lunged to the right and as he ran forward at his speed, she lifted her knee and rammed it into his stomach.

Darian gasped. But it didn't take long and he was standing upright in front of her again. The malicious grin was gone from his face. He was going to get serious now, Kyla realized instantly.

She took a cautious step back and at that moment something seemed to explode in her head. Kyla put her hands to her temples and doubled over. Darian stopped his attack and looked at his opponent, who cried out loudly.

The scream of the voice still echoed in her head and Kyla felt dizzy. When she cautiously opened her eyes, everything around her was quiet and strangely numb as well. She saw Darian running toward her, his sword aimed squarely at her.

Kyla tried to dodge, but her body didn't move. She no longer had any control over him.

All she could feel was his steel digging into her stomach. Stunned, she stared at him, her hands gripping the blade that was almost halfway into her body and she felt the warm liquid pouring out of her body.

Devon didn't understand what was going on. Why hadn't she used her power? He knew she could at least control the fire. Back when she had fought Darian for the first time, she had also managed to ignite a small flame. And she even sent to him! Without this little light he would never have intervened in time. So why...?

All at once it became clear to him. She had done it unconsciously! Little did she know that she had control over fire magic!

His thoughts drilled into her head. Use the fire! burn him!

Liara opened her eyes in shock and if Azamir hadn't stopped her, she would have run to her friend. Tears streamed down her face again and she murmured incessantly, "Oh my God. Oh my God. No! No! No…"

Azamir watched in silence and seemingly without emotion as more and more blood drained from Kyla's body.

Kyla heard nothing. Everything was still numb, even the pain wouldn't come. As her legs buckled and she dropped to her knees, Darian pulled his sword out of her body at the same time.

Kyla had to brace herself. Where was all her strength all of a sudden? Hadn't she promised Liara to take care of her? Hadn't she told her she was safe now?

Kyla shifted her gaze upwards.

Darian grinned down at her. He would finish it now. And this time quickly. He could take his time with the other two. Enjoying the moment to the fullest, he raised his sword above his head. His gaze locked on hers, who still couldn't comprehend her situation. As the blade came down on her, Kyla closed her eyes. She had lost.