The workshop trembled.
Sending reminders to them both that this place wasn't built for battle.
Krodeshas stayed on one knee for only a second. Blood ran down her thigh, soaking into the grease-stained floor. She tore a strip from her sleeve and wrapped it tight without looking away from Rosacer.
"You are hesitating," she said, breathing steady. "If you believed I betrayed you, I would already be dead."
Rosacer did not answer.
The Gewehr remained steady in his hands, but he was not firing.
Outside, boots pounded past the alley mouth.
Loud voices and absolute orders were passing around. The Roses Republic was sweeping the district.
But inside, it was just the two of them.
"Then explain," Rosacer said finally.
Extended usage of Oblivion was now taking a toll on him; lactic acid filled his muscles, leaving them sore.
Krodeshas slowly rose.
