Miria, despite the pain, got up as best she could. She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth and displayed an amused smile.
"I see you recognize your first crime scene. Good… At least that proves you still have a bit of conscience left."
Vareck, troubled and furious, growled:
"What the hell are you talking about?!"
"Have you forgotten the place where the Founders used to come to meditate long ago? The place where they took refuge after their flight? The place you once said was your favorite spot for meditation… and the same place where you killed the people who taught you everything… and who loved you as if you were their own son."
"ENOUGH!" Vareck roared, raising a hand ready to attack. "I'm giving you one last chance. Tell me where Léana's body is… and give me the grimoire."
Miria chuckled softly and straightened up as best she could.
"I see you don't want to understand anything… Very well. Let me explain."
She took a breath, her voice firmer.
"It's impossible. First, for Léana… you see… Léana used the resurrection spell from your grimoire. You know… the one you use to regenerate and stay young. Except she used it to bring Katrina back to life."
Vareck froze. The images of Katrina, young, on the battlefield, came back to him. Understanding hit him.
"No wonder I saw her back… in a younger version… Very well. And for the grimoire?"
Miria tilted her head slightly, a half-smile on her lips.
"You still haven't understood… Didn't you ever find it strange that every time the grimoire is nearby, a Miria is there as well? And that it's often a Miria who possesses it?"
Vareck frowned, clearly searching.
"First it was my great-grandmother Miria… and now me. You're not connecting the dots?"
He didn't answer. Miria smiled, amused.
"Fine… let me enlighten you.
I am the grimoire."
Vareck's eyes widened in shock.
"What…?!"
"Yes. The Founders hadn't managed to destroy the grimoire because of the overly powerful spells it contained. So they converted it into power… and transferred it to my mother, who was seriously ill, while she was carrying me. The goal was just for that power to help her give birth under good conditions. But who would have thought the grimoire would merge with me… to become one?"
Vareck almost stammered.
"But then… how can you still be in this world? That would mean you have thousands of years… like me."
Miria chuckled softly.
"You said it yourself. We both have thousands of years. And you're alive. Why wouldn't I be?"
Vareck said nothing. Miria continued, more serious:
"But rest assured… I don't sacrifice anyone like you do. I can reincarnate a century after my death. And as long as I haven't put you out of commission… I'll come back again and again… until you're no longer a threat."
A malevolent smile appeared on Vareck's face.
"You're not afraid to tell me that just like that? After all… if you're the grimoire, all I have to do is possess you… and I'll control the grimoire."
Miria displayed a perfectly carefree expression.
"Go ahead. That way you'll lead yourself to your own death."
Vareck's smile faded.
"What do you mean?"
"Did you think the Founders hadn't thought of that? They knew very well you might have that kind of intention. So, to prevent it… there's a kind of self-destruction spell. If someone tries to control me to seize the grimoire… before the possession is even complete… the grimoire activates and triggers a total destruction spell. And if you don't believe me… go look at the town of Ashenford."
Vareck's eyes widened.
"You're the one who destroyed that town…"
"Let's say… my past version."
He looked at her with an ironic and bitter laugh.
"And after that, you call me a monster… And what about you? The deaths your power caused in that town?"
Miria answered in a calm, almost cold voice.
"No. Don't compare me to you. We're completely different. I didn't do it on purpose. It's people like you, greedy for power, who pushed me to that. And despite the deaths… three-quarters of the inhabitants survived."
"What do you mean? It was said there were no survivors!"
Miria smiled, radiant and sharp.
"Well… you should update yourself, my dear."
"SHUT UP!" Vareck roared, beside himself. "Very well… if that's how it is… then die!"
He charged at her with all the hatred and magic he had left.
Miria raised a hand. A concentrated, brutal spell struck him mid-flight and sent him crashing violently against the cave wall with a dull sound of stone and bone.
The dust slowly settled.
Miria remained standing, her gaze fixed.