Emerging

Erend and Eccar didn't hesitate. They rushed inside without a second thought.

Erend immediately placed his hands on Aurdis's shoulders, concern etched across his face as he saw someone he loved struggling like this.

Blood trickled from Aurdis's lips and nose, and her eyes were bloodshot. Her face had grown even paler, cold sweat covering her skin. All the signs pointed to one thing—she was running out of magic energy.

Gritting his teeth, Erend made his decision. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing. Even if the king had forbidden him from acting, he would help from now on.

He turned to Eccar, and their eyes met. In that brief exchange, they both understood what had to be done.