Blood and Betrayal

Maverick’s POV

My back slammed against the edge of the broken pillar. I tasted blood in my mouth, sharp and bitter, but I didn’t wipe it off. I didn’t even have the time. Malachi was already coming again, his sword raised, his mouth twisted into something between a grin and a snarl. I ducked, barely, my blade meeting his with a harsh clang that rattled down my bones. But I wasn’t fast enough. I fe