Chapter 29: Entrance Exam— Failed
"I wi—will ki—kill her." His throat clenched painfully, each word a jagged whisper. That burning lump remained, swelling with every breath, fury and grief swirling like a tempest.
But then he felt it.
Not the breeze. Not the rustling of leaves. Something else. Space seemed to bend, parting like water for an unseen presence.
Instinct roared louder than thought. His body moved on its own—a desperate leap just as a blade sliced through the air where his head had been.
He landed with a thud, the force jarring his bones. Looking forward his he locked eyes with his attacker— a girl. Her eyes wide with surprise, mouth slightly parted as if she hadn't expected him to dodge.
That surprise vanished in an instant, replaced with a cold indifference. Her body blurred, and before he could blink, she was in front of him—sword poised to strike.
Clang!
Zephyr's scythe met her blade, the impact shuddering through his bones. He staggered back, his open toed sandel digging trenches in the soft earth to slow his momentum. When he raised his eyes again, she was already moving—hands clasped together, lips whispering.
"Sanguis—Needlevine Hair."
Her hair, Murky yellow and wild, surged like living vines. They whipped forward, a tidal wave of needle-like strands rushing to impale him.
Without hesitation, Zephyr hurled his scythe into the air. His hands clasped together, fingers curling in precise formation—pinkies extended, thumbs upright.