Although the battle ended, the damage couldn't be ignored.
Nikolai leaned against a half-destroyed wall and endured the lingering effects of the silver poison. He observed the once-beautiful royal district, now filled with craters, damaged buildings, and burnt gardens.
Though he couldn't have stopped it, the result still frustrated him.
"What's the matter? Why so glum?" A voice suddenly called out from behind him, almost shocking him half to death.
He jumped up, rushing over to her and threw her in the air despite the sharp ache in his abdomen.
All he cared about was her well-being.
"Sarah!? How are you? Is everything alright?"
Sarah sank into his embrace, quickly curling, hooking his chest with her arms and legs. She pressed her face against his neck and sniffed repeatedly. "I was so.... worried." The warmth of her breath and subtle cold when she inhaled sent tingles down his spine.
"What? You know, I can't die like this."
