[context: this is an alternate take on the climax arc 6]

Asher's boots clicked against the ground, and Victor started to tremble. Umbra, the man he knew as invincible, had been defeated, lying in a puddle of his own blood.

"What's this?" Asher hissed, grabbing Victor by his hair. Victor wailed, clawing at Asher's hands. "I thought I smelled a human in here."

"Don't touch him!" Umbra barked, struggling to rise.

"Oh, this is your little baby, huh, Prince Umbra? The brat you've decided to give up your life for?"

"Asher!" Umbra sobbed, "Maul me, kill me, I don't care! Just leave the kid out of this. He has nothing to do with this."

Asher dragged Victor into the middle of the room, casting him on the floor. Victor was fast, almost escaping into Umbra's arms, but Asher stepped down on his head.

"Don't move, human," Asher murmured, kneeling down, hovering over Victor.

Victor started to cry, fat tears welling in his eyes. Asher smirked, unsheathing his knife. He ran the blade down Victor's cheek, a thin line of blood meshing with his tears.

"I could hurt you, Umbra. But that wouldn't feel good enough. I want you to suffer."

"Please! Let him go!" Umbra bawled.

Victor was in full hysterics, his breath coming out in strangled heaves. Asher gritted his teeth.

"What's wrong, Victor?"  Asher asked, venom dripping from his voice, "Here, let me help you stop crying."

In one vicious swoop, Asher plunged the blade into Victor's eyesocket.
"Victor!" Umbra screamed.

Asher jerked the knife out, holding Victor up by his hair. He threw Victor to one of his men.

"Keep the two apart. I have other stuff to attend to."