Aris felt the sword fly out of her hands, which was somewhat of a shock. She looked back up at Claude, when his hand shot up and grabbed her neck. She let out a sharp scream, which was cut off by his hand tightening around her throat. Her hands took hold of Claude's arm, trying to pull it off her. Fear was clear in her eyes.<br/><br/>Nathaniel lunged again, hoping to release Aris from Claude's steely grip. He suddenly felt a sword slicing through the flesh on his arm, followed by a searing pain unlike anything he had ever felt. He let out a howl, mixed with pain and anger, as he stumbled back, holding his left shoulder tenderly as it spouted black smoke. His face was twisted in pain and rage. "Natha-" Aris managed to shriek, but was stopped once more by the grip on her throat closing. She looked at him, eyes wide, as she watched the man lunge at Nathaniel, aiming to lay a second, deadly hit on the injured demon. "Die" Aris heard Claude growl under his breath as he swung his sword once more.<br/><br/>*Clang!*<br/><br/>She could feel the two swords clash as Capet had come to Nathaniel's side, blocking the attack. "You wear the legacy of the dead like the skin of an animal," she could hear Capet growl under his breath. "Claude Early. How dare you."