Seeing the abomination of a Skeleton come rushing towards her brought forth feelings of fear. Nothing new, for Zaiyola experienced much in her life as a hellspawn. But she couldn’t help but shiver as she saw a creature that she was outmatched by.

Sidestepping a swing, Zaiyola was far more cautious than her initial encounter. Even though the Skeleton lacked finesse and telegraphed their attacks constantly, there was no denying the unrestrained power it held. God’s forbid she gave it the time to use both its limbs, considering just one claw was enough of a struggle.

Thankfully, she had an unknown ally to help her in this fight. As untrustworthy as the stranger was, they both agreed without words that the bigger threat was the skeleton that just regrew an entire body in front of them. And it somehow took down either of them before they could beat it? Extra icing on the cake.

Pulling out her spare dagger, Zaiyola wasn’t leaving herself physically open like last time. Finally releasing her grip on the spell she was holding, Zaiyoal attempted to cast one of her most useful spells.

“Hold Per-“

What no one expected, especially Zaiyola herself as an experienced spellcaster with numerous fights under her belt, was for the Skeleton to punch through her glyph and into her jaw. Having barely recovered at all from the last confrontation, it took little to Knock Zaiyola out of the fight.

As Zaiyola was losing consciousness for the second time in as many hours, she had only one thought in her mind. The safety of her daughter. And then darkness.

Unbeknownst to everyone present, a very important event had taken place. Not that you would have cared if you’d known. All that matters is the Master.

Alright, you knocked her out. Other than some minor brain damage, she should be fine. Won’t be bleeding out anytime soon.

Now that just leaves the-

“Sonic Blade!”

Your thought process is interrupted as familiar words are followed by a shortsword cracking your femur. As usual, the blade itself does minimal damage, but the magic itself breaks through your sturdy bones.

Turning towards her, you can see she’s already made enough distance between the both of you. Beyond irritated, you failed to notice the still present ringing from her magic could still be heard. A mistake, because your femur while healing slightly, ruptures with a hard clap.

Ignoring the damage, not enough to knock you out this time, you charge.

A more experienced and doubly cautious opponent, the hooded women sidestep as your clawed hand digs into the wall. Seeing an opportune moment, she strikes out with the same spell you are starting to hate.

“Sonic Blade.”

And unlike your master’s mother, she was ready for your attempted counter. Using her other shortsword, she diverts your attack completely. The blade is free to cut into your shoulder and shatter several ribs on the way down.

The world fades.

Loosing again? A small boost in power and you are incapable of correctly applying it. Shame. Now do us both a good turn and get back into the fray.

You have regained 1 Health

With a shock you are getting too familiar with in your opinion, the world is back into focus. You are currently on the floor. One which is beginning to run damp with your blood healing.

Right next to the damn hooded figure.

You spring up, trying to get a surprise attack on her. Unfortunately, she appeared to have been ready for you, so all it amounted to was clashing weapons. Her shortswords tangled with your claws. Which was another mistake on your part.

She lets you win the struggle and lets your momentum unbalance you. A kick to the leg and you are sent to the ground with a blade quickly following behind. You get to see her smug face again before she cracks open your skull.

The world fades again.

Not even five seconds? Have to say, I am thoroughly disappointed. But a Contract is forever binding, so I shall do my part.

You have regained 1 Health

Well, would you look at that. You are back in the land of the living. And you are pissed. Standing up, you can see that she had decided to take this fight outside of the room. Maybe make use of some other spells she has up her sleeves or use another weapon you have yet to see.

Well, if she’s going to make this easy, you’ll take the opportunity to say fuck all to that.

You close the door. Step to the side. And go prone.

In some part of your nonexistent brain that’s full of spire and anger at the moment, you notice that the others present in the room look rather confused about what you are doing. Well, your Master is. The male hellspawn is crying in a corner.

As the door is kicked open a crossbow bolt flies through the doorway.

You wait.

There are footsteps.

You wait.

There are quick breaths.

You wait.

A foot peaks past the door frame.

You lunge.

As the hooded woman steps into the room, you can see her eyes were on the wrong level. She was expecting you to be eye level, standing tall like her. You savor the look of shock and horror as you grab one of her legs and pull.

Her head bounces off the hard ground and she lays there stunned. Not allowing her to recover, you crawl up her body. By the time she managed to collect her baring’s, it's already too late. You’ve already straddled her and have one hand choking her.

Her hands struggle fruitlessly to let her breathe. You’re fully aware of how strong you are, much less know it's hard to grasp a limb slick with blood. You got her, and you both know it.

Got you, bitch.

Her eyes widen as she hears you telepathically speak.

And then you bludgeon her with your free hand and she’s out like a candle.

Bleeding profusely from her forehead, you’re positive she’s going to bleed to death at some point. Not that you were going to give her that chance, as your Master’s mother proved to be rather resilient. If a Mage managed to survive numerous lacerations, bruises, and punctures you put into them, you’re not taking that chance with a clear enemy.

With sadistic glee, you aim your sharp fingers at her eyes. Maybe you’re just that strong enough to puncture her brain from this position. Maybe get a free meal if you can? Only one way to find out right?

A voice you are unfamiliar with speaks. It's shrill, desperate, and lacking any authority in their voice. A broken cry from a child wailing into the wind. Frantic to be heard but fully aware no one will listen.

“Stop!”

You obey.