LIRO || completed

• 21.2 •

Liro felt the heat beneath the pads of her fingertips, and swallowed, urging herself to stop. She reminded herself over and over again: intent intent intent.

That was the only thing that controlled her power, her gift. 

Even though she wanted them to burn, even though she wanted them to leave this very moment, she had to convince herself that she didn't. For the sake of her plan, for the sake of Kier, for the sake of herself, she had to pretend that she didn't want to burst into flames and burn them all down.

Even though that was the very thing she wished for the most.

Yasri smirked. 

They wired, Liro's blade spinning to rest lightly at the base of Yasri's throat. Liro could see Kier's eyes widen ever so slightly, watched as Emina inhaled sharply. In a moment, Kier dove out of the way as Emina lunged for him, barely escaping her clutches.

Belatedly, Liro realized her mistake.

She had two blades, and only one sister. Kier had nothing but his bare hands, and a Sister of Ruin hunting for his blood.

"Stop!" Liro shouted. She used one blade to press against Yasri's throat, the other resting at the base of her spine. Yasri arched her back, as if she could avoid the point of the blade.

Emina did not listen, and continued to pursue Kier, her movements growing erratic and wild. 

"Stop, or I'll do it!" Liro fought the tremor creeping into her voice. This was not how she had planned for things to go. This was not how she wanted things to go.

Emina's eyes flicked towards them, pausing for only a moment before continuing to chase Kier. He looked at Liro wildly, and she could see the anger brewing behind his eyes.

This had been her plan. She had asked him to trust her. 

All she was doing was proving to him that he should have never entertained the idea in the first place. 

Steeling herself, Liro pressed in on both blades, forcing Yasri to arch her shoulders backwards and her hips forwards in an attempt to stay unharmed. 

"Tell her to stop," Liro hissed, her breath hot against her sisters ear. "Convince her to stop, or you know what will happen. I want him unharmed. A limb for a limb, if you will."

Yasri's pulse fluttered, and she clenched her fist as she prepared to speak.

"Emina," she said coolly, "you must calm yourself. It seems our youngest sister has quite a temper."

Emina ignored her.

"Not good enough," Liro said. "Not nearly enough."

She pressed the tip of the blade into Yasri's hip, and her sister gasped at the prick of pain. If Liro had had the luxury of being able to look down, she was sure she would have seen the tiniest blossoming of blood. 

"Emina!" Yasri shouted, her voice growing frantic. "Emina, stop!"

Her voice rang throughout the throne room. 

If Emina didn't stop, Liro knew what she would have to do. Her stomach roiled at the thought, and she felt as thought perhaps it was not entirely necessary. Perhaps all of this could have been avoided.

No.

None of this could have been avoided. 

They would see what they had made her. What she was made of.

Emina stammered to a halt, her chest heaving as her eyes took in Kier. Though she was perhaps half of his height, it was he who looked terrified. Liro understood, but she did not have time nor the capacity to sympathize.