The barren wasteland held its breath. Ten blood spears still anchored the Herald's bisected corpse to the stone, while Ren's silhouette receded toward the horizon, carrying Jack's unconscious form across the gray expanse.
Mira materialized from the shadow at Ren's back just as the Sovereign-rank warrior's footsteps began their measured retreat.
Auburn waves caught the fading light as she tilted her head, amber eyes tracking Ren's departure with the perfect clarity of someone whose loyalty transcended question.
Ren's voice cut through the wind without looking back.
"The remaining dragons. Kill them all. The Herald and the three lieutenants remain untouched. Everything else dies."
Mira's fingers flexed, fire dancing across her knuckles in response to the command.
The gesture was automatic, a physical echo of purpose rather than hesitation. She had been bound to Jack Kaiser through death and resurrection.
