Oriana, Come Here

Gideon did not immediately acknowledge the pathetic heap of flesh on the floor. His gaze lowered instead to Oriana. He noted the sheen of cold sweat glistening on her pale brow and the exhausted tremor shaking her arms.

"Will you give me the sword?" His voice emerged low and raspy, yet it carried an undeniable, commanding weight.

Oriana gave a faint nod. Her muscles burned from the fading adrena