Kael bent down beside the broken body. Roderick was barely alive — chest caved in, jaw shattered, blood bubbling from his lips with every ragged breath. His eyes were glassy, unfocused, but still conscious enough to feel everything.
Kael patted his cheek lightly. "You just had to work for the wrong master."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to something almost gentle. "Now, Roderick. I just what a teeny tiny favour. I want to know what you know about that scheming bastard Felix, and I might consider making your death less painful."
Roderick's mouth opened. His tongue moved. A sound began to form in his throat —
His head exploded.
SPLOTCH.
Blood and bone fragments spattered across Kael's face and chest. He sat back on his heels, blinking slowly as warm liquid dripped down his cheek. A chunk of skull rested on his knee.
He sighed.
