Marek finally pulled his power back, leaving only a sliver inside the spear. Heat surged from within him and rose to his face. The mud sealing his nose and mouth melted and slid away. His shield solidified at the same time, closing the breach completely.
He opened his eyes to find Ethan smiling at him.
"That was your plan? Pretty pathetic, don't you think?"
Ethan gave him a sidelong look.
You say that, but you still haven't wiped the mud off your face.
"Of course not. I was only afraid I might get hurt. You're so powerful, sir. How could I possibly dare hurt you?"
For once, Marek had no idea how to respond.
That smiling face, paired with such polite words—he was just like Garrick. How could two people be so infuriating in exactly the same way?
Inside Solmere Castle, Serelia had lost all interest. She'd expected Marek to take the gamble and keep driving the spear forward. After waiting all that time, he had still chosen the safest option.
