Each

Kir dropped down, planted one knee on Andrev’s chest and pressed. Andrev writhed, tried to dislodge him. Kir grinned and brought the knife lower.

“Do it,” the blonde woman said.

Kana cried out. “Don’t do it - no --”

Andrev didn’t want to think of her, couldn’t think of her, gaze fixed on the blood-stained gold coming closer and closer.

“You’re not a gift from the gods,” Kir said, voice low, almost gentle. “You’re just an animal.” And he hacked.

Andrev screamed. His entire being was on fire. He could feel each scrape of the blade against his flesh, his bones.