The Last Blood Mage

Death of Atheria

As the sinister effects of the tainted wine continued to course through their bodies, Xander and Atheria found themselves collapsing to the ground, coughing up blood and gasping for breath. Each agonizing cough felt like a hammer blow to their chests.

The Duke stood over them, a twisted smile on his face. "Take solace in knowing that in death, you can be free," he mused, his voice dripping with malevolence.

Xander, his voice strained and weak, managed to cough out, "You're making a mistake."

The Duke merely chuckled, a chilling sound that echoed through the night air. "I don't make mistakes, my dear boy. And I know exactly what you are – a dark mage."

Jackson, his loyalty firmly with the Duke, chimed in, "Even if we were to let you go, the Mage Guild would hunt you down like a dog. This is a more respectful end."

Xander, his vision blurred and his body wracked with pain, managed to turn his head slightly. He saw Atheria sprawled on the ground, her eyes locked onto his. Despite the tor