Blanche struggled to her feet and wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes remained cold and defiant as she conjured another ice sword in her hand, though the glow was faint.

"If you're going to kill me, then do it!" she snapped. "Enough talk. No one from my family dies on their knees!"

"Fine! Die with your pride, then." Alarion snarled, his face twisting into a cruel grin. "I'll be happy to oblige."

His cyan sword aura condensed again, radiating a destructive pressure as he br