“You think you can stop me?” I challenged. Ice crystals swirled around my hands, but I didn’t raise them. “I’ve put up with you until now. But if you insist of putting yourself in the way of my happiness, I won’t hold back.”

“Neither will I.” He leveled his sword, challenge and determination radiating from him. “For the future of this kingdom, I’m not afraid to lay down my life.”

“Reiner!” Luna cried. “Don’t!”

“Alright.” I agreed, raising my hands. “I’m not afraid to make Luna feel the pain I feel.”

Reiner roared with unchecked rage. He pulled back his sword and leapt forward. He was faster than I remembered. All I could do was sidestep his attack, but he was prepared.

Without hesitation, he grabbed my shoulder to hold me still before driving his sword into my abdomen. I gasped and stared at his hand. I felt no pain, but the sight of his sword disappearing was enough to send my body into shock.

“Lucy!” Luna cried out.

“You didn’t stand a chance.” Reiner gloated. “A princess would never receive the training I have.”

I took hold of his wrist. He winced as ice spread up his arm. “You think this is it?” I hissed.

“You’re finished.” He hissed back.

“Not yet.” My hatred for him was all I felt in that moment, eclipsing my love for Peran. “Not with you.”

My ice continued to spread up his arm. With effort, he ripped his sword from my stomach, pulling himself from my grasp. I stumbled, but managed to stay on my feet.

Luna ran forward to survey Reiner’s arm. “It’s fine.” He told her.

“I’m not done!” I shouted at them. “I will end you. I swear it.” My knees started to wobble, but I forced myself to stay upright. “I’ll be back.”

“Lucy…” More tears fell from Luna’s eyes. She was always such a crybaby.

Reiner leveled his sword at me again. “By my hand, I will end you. Right here, right now.”

“Maybe my body.” I smirked at him. “But not my soul. I will come back.” Cold flooded down from my tiara, freezing my words into truth. “Even if I don’t remember, I’ll return. And when love touches my heart, so will ice.” The gems fell to the ground as my tiara melted into my hair. “And I’ll come for your blood, Reiner Ignis. However diluted it may become.”

Reiner raised his sword and Luna turned away. I closed my eyes, my strength finally leaving me.

“This is not the end.”