Amana's body ached from the repeated blows, her armor cracked in several places, but her eyes burned with the same unyielding fire that had carried her this far.
Crystal stood across from her, divine energy coiling around her form like serpents of light, her expression drawn tight with frustration.
"Why? Why would you go this far—for a man? Tell me, Grand Duchess Amana, do you have no pride? No morals? To sacrifice your happiness, your life, your everything—for the sake of one man?"
Crystal's voice rang out, sharper than her magic.
Amana spat blood onto the ground but only smiled grimly.
"If that's what you believe, then you're the shallow one here, not me."
Crystal's brows knitted together.
"What—?"