Sevrin stood frozen for some minutes, eyes wide, and shock plastered across his face. His hands rose slowly to his neck, trembling, as he realized he was so close to death.

Blood gushed out in thick, dark streams, soaking his clothes and dripping down his chest. He tried to speak, his mouth opening, but only more blood came out, splattering across his lips and chin.

"K-ka... crk... crk..." he choked, each sound broken and wet as he tried to force words past the gushing wound.

On the other hand, Kael stood there, watching him, watching how he struggled, and the fear in his eyes. If Kael knew one thing, it...