Gideon lifted his head and glared at the flying newcomer. He ignored the trio as if they were beneath concern. He was half-right.

  The stench of burning flesh and scorched metal lingered in the courtyard. Bernard’s headless body lay crumpled some distance from the Marked. His head…

  Kai’s body tensed. Bernard’s head was gone. Another problem.

  Could he survive decapitation? If so, his healing Gift was more powerful than expected. He would’ve been a useful tool.

  Now Kai could only hope the weasel-faced man wouldn’t return with a new body. He hated hoping - reliable outcomes were best.

  And there was a reliable outcome in front of him - the flying woman was going to fight Gideon, giving them the distraction they needed.

  But she was aiming a crude wooden spear at a walking flame. It would turn to ash. Her chances of success were minimal. How long would she even last against Gideon?

  Could they create enough distance before he cremated her?

  Her fury could make her reckless. Was the other woman her sister?

  Either way, Gideon had cooked someone she cared about like meat on a grill, and she had come for revenge. Her raised arm fell like a hammer, her wooden spear shooting toward Gideon.

  He didn’t even try to dodge the strike - and why would he? The wooden spear was nothing but kindling for his fire.

  Kai glanced at his companions, hands ready to reach out, grab them, and teleport away at the perfect moment. As his gaze returned to Gideon and the flying woman, his mouth opened without his consent.

  No words emerged - the image before him rendered him speechless.

  The spear - or sharpened tree branch, if he was being honest - pierced Gideon’s shoulder. The flames around the wound fled. The bleeding flesh of his shoulder was visible as the remaining flames coiling around his body dissipated.

  Gideon screamed in pain, resembling a human once more. The flying woman had neutralised his biggest advantage in one attack.

  She was already holding another crudely sharpened spear.

  Before the second spear could end the arrogant bastard, he ripped the first from his shoulder and transformed into a walking flame again. He focused on the flying woman, preparing to dodge her spears in earnest.

  A smile tugged at Kai’s lips. The flying woman was better than a distraction - they had a chance to kill the loathsome noble. He glanced at his companions.

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  There was only one explanation.

  “Get ready. Our new friend has a Gift that controls air. When her spear hits him again, we attack with everything we have and kill the bastard.”

  “Friend?” Alira raised an eyebrow.

  “The enemy of my enemy is my friend - at least as long as my enemy’s trying to kill us.”

  Alira shook her head. Frozen daggers crafted themselves into existence around her.

  Kai grabbed Rusk’s shoulder and commanded his suit:

  Give him soul essence.

  A trickle of blood flew toward Rusk and seeped into his skin. He didn’t even flinch at the darkened blood flying toward him - as if this were normal. His eyes grew brighter, his stance firmer.

  “Thanks Kai. But…”

  Kai understood the problem - he glanced down at Rusk’s boxers.

  “Rusk - is your dignity worth more than your life?”

  Rusk’s eyebrows shot up while his mouth hung open. After a moment of stewing in indignation, he shook his head. He didn’t look happy about it.

  Alira held her greyish hand up. “Wait there.” Was she about to complain about Rusk’s nakedness offending her noble sensibilities?

  Kai’s assumption was unfounded.

  Alira reached into the bag at her waist and retrieved a handkerchief. It was about the same size as Rusk’s boxers. He gazed at Alira, wide eyes glowing with reverence.

  “Thank you, my lady! A true noble like you understands the importance of dignity - unlike some people.” He shot Kai a disapproving look. Kai shrugged.

  He’s almost naked already. How much dignity does he think he has?

  “Let’s help our friend hit him with another branch. You both know what comes next.” Alira and Rusk nodded.

  Gideon moved diagonally toward their left - toward the steel spear he had tried to kill Kai with.

  Kai disappeared. He tore through space, his hand seizing the coveted spear.

  Gideon’s face reddened as he charged. “Scurrying rat!” He raised his flaming sword.

  Kai vanished again.

  Rat? He’d take it - those dirty bastards survived everything.

  He emerged near the flying woman. “Hey! Catch this and skewer the bastard!”

  Kai threw the spear with an underhand grip - then compressed space between the weapon and the woman’s left palm to prevent accidental stabbings.

  The flying woman gripped the spear tightly. She glanced at Kai for a moment and tilted her head.

  Her voice was calm, but Kai could sense the pain beneath the facade. “Thanks.”

  She flew toward Gideon, raising the wooden spear in her right hand. Gideon rushed towards Alira and Rusk, aiming to thin their numbers.

  But how could the fool outrun teleportation?

  Kai was beside his companions before Gideon could enter striking distance. In the next moment, he teleported them to the farthest corner from Gideon.

  The flying woman flew between the trio and Gideon. Her right arm arced toward the flaming noble - he dodged to the side. Unfortunately for him, the wooden spear pierced his stomach as Kai collapsed space between the weapon and its target.

  Gideon roared in pain and fury. His flames receded, and he became flesh-and-blood again. He glanced down and gripped the spear with both hands.

  Everyone could foresee the outcome of the fight - except Gideon.

  The steel spear punctured his chest next. Then came a rain of ice daggers. Gideon slumped, impaled by a multitude of blades. His upper body collapsed to the ground, blood spurting from the stumps where his legs had been. His face hit the concrete, and he wailed.

  Kai teleported beside him and thrust his sword through the back of Gideon’s skull. The blade burst out of his mouth. His wailing ceased.

  They had done it. They had killed the loathsome bastard.

  He underestimated them, overestimated his Gift - and paid for it.

  The trio turned their heads in unison. Their gazes landed on the flying woman.

  And she gazed back at them.

  Did Gideon get what he deserved?

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