“Merely countering my attacks….” Our swords met again, sparks flying like fire and shadow entwined, and for a moment, the world shrank to nothing but steel, breath, and the silent rhythm of life and death. “…will gain you nothing”

The provocation worked. His eyes narrowed, a flash of a smile tugging at my lips, and Yugo attacked.

He moved with precision and speed; each strike was a challenge.

We separated from a moment, each of us ready for the next strike—

I made my move, stepping forward to strike—but then—suddenly—I froze.

Pain erupted before I even realized it. 
A sharp arrow tore through the air and pierced me from behind. 

My breath caught in my throat. Another followed almost instantly, thudding into my shoulder 

The metallic taste of blood flooding my mouth. My heart pounded.

Blood poured freely from my abdomen and shoulder, warm and biting as it ran down my skin. 

A third arrow struck my hand, reason why I had to let go of my sword.

I saw how he froze, caught off guard by the sight. I stepped back, instinctively pressing my hands against the blood gushing from my wounds, the warmth sharp against my skin.

Yet a smile curved my bloody lips
Behind me, the cliff yawned, the cold wind rushing up from its depths, carrying the scent of snow and stone.

“Yugo...” I whispered, voice strained but calm, “…if I am bound by the four pillars of the judgment chamber one more time---"

“---I will confess.”

The snow swirled around us, carried on the bitter winter breeze. “I confess… that I did, slaughter and murdered the city”

“…This time I will not defend myself--- you know.”

The winter breeze swept past, carrying flakes of snow that fell silently from the darkened sky.

“Arsinoe—"

I smiled, even as the arrow burned through me.

“Because this time… it is no longer accusation. I committed a crime Yugo. I brought this fucking rebellion, and myself is the witness to their desperate, begging cries.”

I saw him step forward instinctively eyes wide, as I let myself fall backward over the cliff’s edge.

Everything seemed so slow, as I hovered in the midair

Wind whipped past, tugging at my hair.

As a tiny glacier of snow drifted lazily from the midnight sky, glittering like frozen fire.

The moon hung impossibly high, fascinating. 
Casting a pale light that made the snowflakes shimmer like stars falling just for me. 
My chest raced, heart hammering against ribs….

…. Yet my lips curved into a smile.

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Chapter 2 - NOTICE!