In the time it took Dante and Pierce to return, Magnus had fallen asleep, which was a result of his hangover. The dagger was placed on his chest as his eyes flickered back and forth beneath his lids. He was dreaming. Magnus's hand crossed over the knife, gripping the handle.
As Duke Greystone prepared himself, he recited a short incantation. He stood behind Magnus to control the magic, and a red, glowing circular rune slowly floated downward, landing and sinking into the man's forehead.
Seeing Magnus furrow his brow when the rune touched his skin and disappeared, Dante wondered if it was painful. Then the man's face relaxed. Magnus mumbled, as though he were conversing with someone in his sleep.
After a few minutes, a malicious sneer appeared on his lips, making the corners curl up. As Dante observed, the man swung the dagger through the air, and out of nowhere, blood dripped to the floor and mysteriously appeared on the dagger's blade.
