Demontae's twenty-odd hired experts now lay defeated at Eldric's feet. The sight filled him with overwhelming joy.
The pressure lifted from his chest—his life was secure, and Lirael and Samai were safe. Both women had shown him nothing but kindness, and he cherished their friendship deeply. He'd rather die than see them harmed. The mere thought of them getting hurt was unbearable.
That desperation—to survive, to protect Lirael and Samai—had fueled his desperate fight against Demontae's men. Though his movements were calculated, his mind burned with one goal: Crush every last one. Only by defeating them all could he guarantee their safety. So he fought like a man possessed, and now, breathless but victorious, he stood amidst the fallen.
This wasn't just a win—it was his first decisive tr
