He shoves her out of the way and screams: “I challenge you to the—” Before he can finish the words, Ezryn turns and surges at his brother. In a feat of raw strength, he lifts Kairyn up and slams him on to his back. In the same fluid movement, he draws his sword, Windscythe, and holds it to Kairyn’s neck. “Do not challenge me,” he growls, a voice more wolf than man. “Never challenge me again.” Utter silence fills the throne room. In our small space, not one of us takes a breath. Then Ezryn stands and sheathes his blade. Kairyn stays down. With staggering steps, Ezryn walks up the stairs to sit
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