Chapter 23: Stop Richard!

Daniel's Pov

I threw myself onto Richard and started fighting him. A few times I hit him here and there with the gun as it didn't have bullets in them, but at one point, Richard grabbed the gun from me. He gave me the hardest blow on my face, which drained out a lot from me. I was all dizzy.

Scarlett: DANIEL!

Daniel: NO! STAY AWAY! DESTROY THE KING!

Scarlett: But-

Daniel: IT'S THE ONLY WAY!!

With the gun, he strangled my neck against the tomb and accidently, I touched the king. Richard noticed it right away. He backed away from me. The part of my hand that touched was starting to change into a black and hollow color. The pain was so piercing.

Quickly, I tore a part of my dress and tied it around my arm to prevent it from spreading. That's when I noticed, Richard wasn't there anymore.

Daniel: SCARLETT! STOP RICHARD BEFORE HE GOES OUT!

She obeys right away and runs after him. Meanwhile, I sit there and pray from her, well aware that I didn't have much time left.

Scarlett's Pov

I ran after him and ended up in the Maze of Illusions. Following the string, I reached Richard before he could make it through the till the end. Pouncing onto him, we both fall down and the zipper bag falls out of his pocket. Groaning is slight pain, he got to his feet and grabbed the zipper bag.

Daniel: Do you really wanna do this Princess? The way out is right there. All you have to do is step aside.

He said as I too got onto my feet.

Scarlett: Well, you'll have to get past me then.

Daniel: So you wanna fight this out huh? Then let's fight!

Scarlett stood there, her eyes locked onto Richard who stood just a few paces away, his expression a mix of determination and grit. Scarlett took a deep breath, her senses heightened. The tension between them had escalated beyond words, and now it was time for action. Richard's voice broke through the silence.

Richard: It's time to settle things. Once and for all.

Scarlett's response was a tight nod, her jaw clenched. She wasn't one to back down, and tonight was no exception. With a swift, determined movement, she advanced toward Richard, her steps confident and deliberate. Richard was ready, his stance shifting into a defensive position.

As Scarlett closed in, he threw a sharp punch, aiming for her jaw. Scarlett's reflexes kicked in, and she deftly ducked under the blow, her movement fluid and controlled. In the same motion, she delivered a quick jab to Richard's ribs, causing him to grunt and stagger back.

Scarlett didn't let go yet. She moved with accuracy, using a combination of strikes and blocks to keep Richard on the defensive. Richard wasn't an easy opponent, though. He countered with a powerful roundhouse kick that Scarlett barely managed to evade by sidestepping, the wind from the kick brushing against her cheek.