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Art waited a minute or two while the Count continued his slow but merciless destruction of Queen Faria. Even though his madness was propelling his actions, it was clear that decades if not centuries of antipathy compelled him to make the process as drawn out and painful as possible. When he heard the first loud crack as one of her major bones snapped, Art came to a decision. He whispered to the Baron and Milord Damoten, “I’m going to step in now. Please look after Ellary.” He faced her and pulled her to him. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. It’s better if this is settled quickly.” She didn’t let him go easily. Standing, he told Arch and Beech, “If Faria lives, keep her from interfering.”
Art moved confidently, and acted before the Count knew he was intervening. He Willed the whole section
