Hellbound With You

Alicia was utterly speechless as she took a step back, closer to Zeres. When Ezekiel also took a step, Alicia's expression changed and she smirked at him, not to mock him, but to prove she was not afraid of him.

A strange light flicked in Ezekiel's eyes the instant Alicia gave him that smirk. But then, he retracted his sword, raised it again to slash at her when…

A gasp of surprise escaped from Alicia's lips as something metallic and cold grabbed her from behind. She fell on the ground, leaning against a hard as steel object. She turned and realized that it was Zeres who pulled on her and he was now sheltering her from Ezekiel.

As Alicia returned her gaze to the man in front of her, her eyes widened in shocked surprise. Zeres growled and his powerful arm that was almost like a dragon's claw hit Ezekiel, sending him flying. The hit was so strong that the pillar where Ezekiel had landed broke into pieces, creating a strong earthquake.

Everyone's jaw fell open as they looked at the crumbling pillar.

When the dust settled down, their gazes fell back to Zeres. Dinah screamed in anger. Bloodlust consumed her as she stared at Alicia.

Alicia's instinct told her that the insane woman was prepared to kill her. She saw her sword that Ezekiel had dropped, and she immediately grabbed it, thankful that the sword was right within her reach.

Dinah pointed her sword at her Alicia but Alicia didn't even flinch. Having Zeres right behind her calmed her down like nothing else ever did.

"You think Zeres will save you from me?" Dinah asked, her voice shaking with anger. "In your dreams, witch." She snorted. "Zeres will never hurt me. I am his master, after all. Wanna see for yourself?"

Without a warning, Dinah swung her sword at her. Alicia dodged her but because she was trapped within the confines of Zeres' chest and arms, she couldn't move back. And she was right, Zeres didn't shield her from Dinah.

Blood started to drip down Alicia's cheek. It appeared that Dinah's blade managed to reach her skin.

"I always wanted to destroy that face of yours, witch." Dinah said, laughing like a maniac and she swung her sword again.

This time, Alicia blocked her attack. Anger blazed in Dinah's eyes and she swung even harder. Knowing that the upcoming attack was definitely strong, Alicia's other blade appeared from her other hand and moving as fast as she was able, she raised both of her blades and crossed them.

Dinah's sword stopped in the intersection of Alicia's blade.

Gnashing her teeth, Dinah looked down at her. "So, you wanted to fight? Huh? Witch? You think you can defeat me? You think you can still escape?" she asked.

Alicia's eyes fell to the men in black and saw their eyes blazing red as they stared down at her like she was a their prey to be devoured. Looking at them, Alicia knew Dinah was right. There was no way she could defeat everyone. It was basically a suicide mission fighting them by herself.

It was hard for her to utilize her power's full potential in this place because it was too cramped. She needed space to fight but there were too many of them. She could already imagine these horde jumping at her before she could even finish uttering her chants. It appeared that Dinah was well aware of the witches' powers. It was obvious that she knew that witch queen's weakness were close range battles.

Thankfully, Alicia was exceptional in swordfight. She could fight them with her sword but with these numbers, she didn't know how long she could last. If only she had even one ally who would watch her back, she might stand a chance and buy more time until Abi and the rest will arrive.

But she had no one. What should she do? She glanced at the crumpled pillar. Ezekiel seemed to be buried inside the debris and there was no sign of him coming out.

Alicia gritted her teeth. How could she still think that Ezekiel would help her?

"Now give in and give me your blood, witch." Dinah whispered. "There's no hope for you," she laughed contemptuously.

However, Alicia's silver eyes suddenly glimmered and a devilish smile curved on her angel face. "You're right, Monster. There might be no more hope for me," she trailed off, still smiling. "But let me remind you that I am the witch queen. I still have a trump card that would totally screw you over."

The smile on Dinah's face slowly faded.

"D-don't do it, witch," Dinah looked shaken. She knew that if this queen cocooned herself, Zeres would never transform completely. Her plans will be doomed if that happens!

"Why can't I?" It was Alicia's turn to smirk as if she already won the fight.

"You will die if you do that!"

"What's the difference? You will kill me anyway."

"No!" Dinah shook her head. Her expression changed again. From a serpent to a saint. "I promise you witch queen. I will not kill you. I only needed a few drops of blood from you."

"You're expecting me to trust you?" Alicia chuckled, causing Dinah to slightly waver once again.

"You're still too young queen," Dinah forced her smooth voice out. "Think about this carefully, and if you don't give Zeres your blood, he'll be in pain forever."

Alicia's eyes moved sideways. She could hear Zeres groaning again, in pain.

"Fine," Alicia stared at Dinah intensely. "I will give you my blood," she added, causing Dinah's face to light up. "However, there is one condition."

Dinah lifted her brow.

Alicia laughed, the sound was clear and tinkling like silver bells. "Don't tell me a person like you expects to get a free lunch?" an amused smile accompanied that statement. "Come on…now you're making me laugh!"

Dinah gave a small sniff and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. However, she still went along with Alicia's request. "State what you want then, witch queen."

"Let's fight." Alicia replied. "If you defeat me, I will give you my blood."