The stench of burnt flesh clung to the air as Kruger knelt beside Dorian's body. The man who had once fought beside him, shared drinks, and bled in battle was gone. His corpse twitched unnaturally, the last remnants of Selene's venom writhing beneath his skin.
Kruger clenched his jaw. He had no time for grief.
A chilling giggle echoed from the chapel's ruined walls. Selene was still here. Watching.
"Did it hurt, General?" Her voice was velvet-soft, slithering between the cracks in the stone. "Killing him? Or was it easier than you expected?"
Kruger rose to his feet, reloading his pistol with steady hands. He wouldn't play her games.
A shadow flickered in the candlelight.
The bullet tore into the wooden pews, but Selene had already moved. She emerged from the smoke, smirking, untouched.
"You waste bullets on phantoms."
Kruger charged. Fast. Direct. Brutal. His blade flashed in the dim light as he swung, aiming for her throat—
With a whisper, Selene melted into mist, his blade slicing through nothing but air. Then she was behind him.
"Poor Kruger," she purred. "Still so predictable."
Kruger spun, only to feel a sharp sting in his side.
He staggered back, glancing down at his ribs. A small, needle-thin dagger was embedded in his flesh. A single drop of greenish-black venom glistened on the blade's edge.
Selene sighed, mock sympathy in her eyes.
"Such a strong man. But even strength crumbles under my touch."
Kruger ripped the dagger from his side, ignoring the searing pain. He had minutes, maybe less.
Selene watched, tilting her head.
"Shall I tell you what comes next?" she mused, stepping closer. "First, your skin will burn. Then, your mind will fray—oh, how deliciously you'll suffer. And finally..." She leaned in, whispering against his ear. "You'll beg me for release."
Kruger lunged, forcing Selene back. His vision swam, but he would not fall here.
"Still fighting? My, my." Selene licked her lips.
The venom was spreading too fast. His breath hitched. His muscles weakened.
Selene raised a vial of shimmering, emerald liquid.
"I could cure you," she murmured. "One little sip. Just say the words, Kruger. Kneel."
Kruger's lips curled into a bloodstained smirk.
With his last ounce of strength, he shattered the vial with a gunshot.
Selene's eyes flashed with fury.
Kruger stumbled toward the exit, the world spinning around him. His only hope now was escape.
Behind him, Selene's laughter rang out, low and haunting.
"Run, little General. You won't get far."