The wind had quieted, but the tension lingered like smoke in the air. Dunstan stepped over scattered debris and monster limbs as he made his way toward Nathaniel, who still stood motionless. The short word trembled within his tight grip, his eyes locked on the sealed crypt like it might break again at any second.
Behind him, Dunstan strolled. Guilt clung to his feet like mud, doubling the weight of his muddied leather shoes and slowing his stride.
“Nathaniel.”
Dunstan called, his steps stopped a yard away from him. Nathaniel didn’t move at first, the weight of the battle still anchoring him in place.
“Rest,”
Dunstan added as he walked closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Take Aria with you. She’ll need you when she wakes.”
At that, Nathaniel’s fingers finally relaxed around
