The aftermath of the skirmish was chaos incarnate. Flames roared in the distance, their light casting flickering shadows over the battlefield as the sounds of clashing steel and anguished cries echoed through the air. Elena’s chest heaved as she ducked behind a toppled cart, her sword dripping with blood and her limbs trembling from exertion.
“Kael!” she shouted, scanning the battlefield. The fear of losing him gnawed at her like a beast.
“I’m here!” His voice rose above the cacophony. From the smoke emerged Kael, his face smeared with dirt and blood but alive. He stumbled toward her, clutching his side where a shallow gash seeped crimson.
She reached for him, relief flooding her chest. “You’re hurt.”
“Just a scratch,” he muttered, wincing as he waved off her concern. “Sareth’s forces
