– What… What happened? – I groaned, my right arm aching, the one I'd landed on when I'd hit the bare wooden floor.

– I don't know, Sylvia, but you said things in such a frightening voice that I had to act," Evans told me in a hard tone, still clutching his gun. – You said you were going to destroy Derek and all the people… About rivers of blood and corpses flooding the streets of Kaldwind…" He squinted his eyes and asked in a calmer tone, "What was that? What was that madness that seized you?

– It wasn't madness, it was what's hidden in the Dead Man's Hammer," I explained hastily, rising to my feet. Once again, I approached the cupboard, but not daring to touch it or the sword, I said quietly: – Here it is. This is the weapon we were looking for....

– It's a sword, not an axe," Evans grinned incredulously.

– Believe me, my friend, I know what I'm talking about," I said with pressure, and stepped away from the cabinet as the grave cold began to envelop me again. – It's him! Are you saying I've been telling horrible things? It was that damned sword that made me see and want it all! When I touched it, it was like I turned into something… Something hungry for blood and death!

– I told you a demoness shouldn't get her hands on that weapon! If you hadn't stopped their dark bond in time, your girlfriend would have destroyed us all and then done everything she said she would! – Alviss's indignant voice came from behind the counter, and then he appeared before us, his eyes burning with hatred, his hands clenched into small fists, and despite his small stature, he looked menacing.

– I don't know why I suddenly wanted all this! I'm not bloodthirsty at all and I love my husband! And his daughters are like family to me! – I exclaimed, trying to defend myself against the old mage's accusations. – This sword must make those who touch it insane!

– This sword… "Dead Man's Axe" does not make anyone insane, but it gives the hatred and darkness of its wielder incredible dimensions, destroying him from within! You, Sylvia Rossi, are a demoness, and Darkness is your essence! Your hatred for Derek Murkswerd and his people fills you, even if you think it doesn't! – Alviss gritted his teeth. – Deep in your soul you wish for death and cherish your revenge! That is why in ancient times the Axe was split in two and forged into swords, so that men like you could not find it and use it for evil!

– If this weapon is so fierce and dangerous, what is it doing here in this display case?" Evans frowned, turning to the mage. – You've done an excellent job of hiding it from eager eyes! Come and get it!

– That's the idea! Who would think that the Dead Man's Axe is a sword, and that it's kept in this closet, in full view of everyone? – Alviss said, and, glaring menacingly at Evans, jabbed his index finger at me. – And you're messing around with this creature of the Dark? You want it to take over Axe's power? You're not deaf and you heard what's going on in her black soul!

– She won't touch it from now on," Evans said in a firm tone and turned to me. – I hope you realize this is the right thing to do.

– Of course I do! Keep him away from me! – I exhaled with emotion.

– We'll make sure that Sylvia and that sword don't reconnect," Evans said, relieved.

He'd already put his claws away, and he looked like the man I'd known. And yet his formidable appearance, his ability to act and defend, struck me deeply. After all, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me to protect people from my vengeance… It was very… Intriguing. Attractive.