That was the exact moment when Black Fang ripped her blade free, making blood erupt in its wake. With a single flourish, she whipped the katana across the air. Blood sprayed in a wide arc, splattering Kaede's pale face with her own life's crimson.
The world seemed to shudder beneath the cruelty, the epitome of an executioner's art; no hesitation, no wasted breath, only the merciless grasp of opportunity and instant victory.
Kaede's eyes widened, and her expression collapsed into raw defeat. She looked utterly broken before the light faded for good.
"No… not yet!"
Chizuru's breath hitched. Her veneer shattered into pure panic the instant Kaede's heart was pierced. She fumbled at her robes until her hands tore free an ancient talisman carved with runes older than even Yoruha.
Black Fang's instincts flared the moment the talisman left Chizuru's robes. She dashed forward with her katana arcing in a lightning-fast strike.
