Lucien’s POV
My chest heaved with exertion, the bitter tang of blood sharp on my tongue as I parried Cassandra’s relentless strikes. Her blade was a blur of deadly precision, each clash of steel reverberating in my ears, drowning out the chaos of the battlefield.
For centuries, I had honed my skills, standing as a shield for my king and queen. Yet now, as Cassandra pressed her advantage, I felt the weight of her fury and cunning. Her every move seemed calculated to dismantle me—not just physically, but mentally—with the venom of her words still echoing in my mind.
“I’ve been working with the faction for years,” her voice taunted in my memory, dripping with malice. “Your precious queen? A mere pawn in my game.”
I lunged forward, forcing my blade against hers, locking us in a moment of s
