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"…A spar with my great lady? I would never dare harm…!" he muttered, but Maria's intense glare stopped him cold.
"And if I say it's an order?" Maria asked. "Moreover, are you implying you can actually harm me, Darkbound? I would like you to try!"
"I-I deeply apologize! I never intended to—"
"Don't be so humble. I know you're my loyal Death Knight," Maria smiled, taking his skeletal hand in her fair, small, and soft one—full of warmth that made Darkbound feel strangely fuzzy inside. "Come on now, let's train."
"…Y-Yes," he muttered, stuttering for the first time, utterly overwhelmed by his beloved master's strength and charisma. He couldn't even think of defying her. "I shall do whatever you ask of me."
"Good," Maria said gently, caressing his armor. "Let's fight to the death."
"…?!"
In that instant, Darkbound truly understood the monster his master had become.
