Story 742: The Widow’s Bite

Kruger’s blade sliced through the air, aiming for Selene’s throat.

But she was faster.

With a flick of her wrist, shadows coiled around his arm, yanking him backward. The momentary surge of defiance crumbled as the venom in his veins pulsed, turning his strength into dead weight.

"Tsk, tsk." Selene’s voice dripped with amusement. "Still fighting? Even as your body betrays you?"

She stepped closer, her darkened lips parting in mock sympathy.

Kruger struggled, his breath shallow. His vision blurred at the edges, the plague working its way through his bloodstream.

Selene kneeled beside him, her gloved fingers brushing against his cheek.

"Poor Kruger… always so righteous. So stubborn." She traced a cold line down his jaw, her touch laced with the sting of necrotic energy. "But righteousness won’t save you. It never does."

He tried to will his limbs to move, but the venom held him like a corpse in rigor.