Selene didn't pause.

She spun around him, her dagger plunging into his back with a sickening crack. She twisted the blade, cutting deep into the muscle as Crix's body convulsed

Blood oozed from the wound, staining her hand as she pulled the dagger free.

His clones dissolved into mist, their synchronized movements falling apart as the real Crix fell to his knees.

He gasped, blood bubbling at his lips as he tried to speak. Selene leaned down, her voice calm and detached. "No more games."

With a final thrust, her dagger pierced his heart. His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless. Selene stood over him, her breathing labored, her vision blurring again. The hum of energy in her body kept her upright, but her strength was dwindling.

"Crix!" Roxie's shout echoed through the clearing. His gaze snapped to Selene, filled with rage. "You'll pay for that!

Selene staggered, the wound in her side finally catching up to her. Roxie limped toward her, his orb reforming in his hand. Its volatile energy rippled in the air, sending a tremor through the ground.

This is bad. Selene steadied herself, her expression faltering as the fatigue caught up to her. But there was no escape, nowhere to run. She had to face the reality of the situation.

If I go down, this is the end.

Roxie raised his hand, his orb expanding as the unstable energy crackled through the air. Selene turned toward him, her grip tightening on her bloodied dagger. One more. Just one more.

Roxie hurled the orb, the crackling projectile streaking toward her. Selene ducked and rolled to the side, the explosion sending shockwaves through the clearing. She pushed herself to her feet, her dagger ready, and closed the distance between them in a blur of movement.

Roxie swung his club in a wide arc, the weapon humming with energy. Selene ducked under the swing, her dagger slicing toward his ribs. He twisted away, the blade catching his side but failing to go deep.

"You're fast, but not fast enough," Roxie sneered, stepping back to launch another attack. "You should've stayed down."

Selene didn't answer.

She darted forward, feinting left before slamming her elbow into his jaw. Roxie stumbled, his grip on his club faltering. Selene capitalized on the opening, driving her dagger into his shoulder. He roared in pain, his orb flickering and dissipating as his focus broke.

Blood dripped from both of them, staining the ground as they circled each other.

Roxie's movements were slower now, his injuries catching up to him. Selene felt her body screaming in protest, her vision narrowing further with each passing second

I have to end this.

With a surge of determination, she rushed forward, her dagger cutting through the air. Roxie dodged her strike, his fist cracking against her temple.

Pain exploded behind her eyes as she staggered back. She shook her head, trying to clear her vision, but Roxie was already moving, his club coming down on her head.

She raised her arm instinctively, the metal colliding with her forearm. The impact sent a wave of agony through her arm, her bones creaking under the pressure.

Selene screamed, dropping to her knees. Her vision darkened, and her breath caught in her throat.

Roxie smirked, raising his club again.

"Time to finally end you," Roxie growled, his voice unsteady. "You did put up a good fight but still, you're nothing but—"

Selene's dagger flashed, cutting him off mid-sentence as she lunged. The blade buried itself in his chest, piercing through his armor. Roxie gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he staggered back.

"Enough," Selene said quietly, her voice like ice. She pulled her dagger free, blood splattering across the ground. Roxie fell to his knees, clutching his chest as his strength ebbed away.

Selene raised her dagger, preparing to deliver the final blow.

But before she could strike, a familiar voice rang out sharply.

"Selene!"

She froze, her dagger trembling in her hand. Her head turned toward the sound, her silver eyes locking onto Adrian and the others as they burst into the clearing. Adrian's fiery chains retracted as he sprinted forward, his expression a mix of relief and alarm.

"Selene, stop!" Adrian called firmly but his voice was filled with concern.

Selene's grip on her dagger loosened slightly, her mind catching up to her actions. Her body wavered as the adrenaline began to fade, her exhaustion finally crashing over her.

The group rushed toward her, their weapons drawn as they took in the scene.

Roxie collapsed to the ground, unconscious but alive, his wounds severe. The clearing was a battlefield, bloodstains and scorch marks evidence of the brutal fight.

"What in the gods' names…" Lilith murmured, her crimson eyes wide as she surveyed the carnage. Her gaze flicked to Selene, a mix of awe and worry in her expression. "Did she do all this? How?"

"Looks like it," Abyss muttered, her violet eyes narrowing as she studied the lifeless body of Crix.

Eris whistled softly, leaning against a tree with a smirk. "Not bad for the quiet one. Guess still waters really do run deep."

"Selene," Adrian said, his voice soft as he approached her cautiously. "Are you okay?"

Selene blinked, her vision clearing slightly as she focused on Adrian. The detached confidence that had carried her through the fight began to crumble, replaced by a weary vulnerability.

Her dagger slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground as she swayed on her feet.

Adrian caught her just before she fell, his arms steadying her. "You're bleeding," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "Ava, help me."

Ava stepped forward, her golden staff glowing faintly as she knelt beside them. "She's lost a lot of blood," she said grimly, her hands hovering over Selene's wound. "But she'll live."

"Selene," Adrian said again, his gaze searching hers. "You're going to be okay. Stay with us."

Selene's lips parted as if to speak, but no words came.

Her head leaned against Adrian's chest, her silver eyes heavy with exhaustion. The world around her blurred once more, the sounds of her companions' voices fading into the background.

As darkness claimed her, Selene's last thought was a quiet, fleeting one: I'm still here.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.