I didn't move a muscle as Kenneth lunged toward me, his dagger gleaming in the dim light of the cultivation chamber. His face was contorted with rage, eyes wild with desperation—the look of a man who believed he was fighting for his freedom.
"You've made a grave miscalculation," I said calmly.
Just before the dagger could pierce my chest, I caught his wrist with one hand. The herbs and formations around me continued pulsing undisturbed. Kenneth's eyes widened in shock.
"But... your breakthrough..." he stammered, struggling against my grip.
I tightened my hold until I heard the small bones in his wrist crack. The dagger clattered to the ground as he howled in pain.
"Did you really think I'd leave myself vulnerable?" I asked, rising to my feet while maintaining my hold on him. "I haven't even begun the actual breakthrough yet. This was merely preparation."
Fear replaced the hatred in his eyes. "Master Knight, please—I was manipulated! The Umbral Covenant—"
