Morvane studied Ethan's features with real focus, like he was inspecting a prized piece in a collection he'd just acquired. After a moment, he smiled and nodded, clearly pleased.
The blood sword on his shoulder shifted—slow, deliberate.
Its edge settled beside Ethan's shoulder, so close to his neck there was barely any space left.
All it would take was a small twist, one horizontal slice—
—and Ethan's head would leave his body.
"Perfect."
Morvane's grin widened.
"You really… satisfy me."
His thumb brushed lightly over Ethan's cheek.
"So much that I almost don't have the heart to kill you."
Ethan stared back at Morvane from inches away.
A bead of white energy had just started to bloom in his palm when Morvane reached out, clamped a hand around his wrist, and pressed the half-formed power back into Ethan's body.
"Don't rush."
Morvane lowered Ethan's hand like he was putting away a toy.
"Let's check on your companions first."
Ethan's gaze was forced to turn.
