Outside the barrier (3)

Erik's ruthless slash left a deep, gaping wound in Conal's throat. He collapsed to the ground, pressing his hands against the wound in a vain attempt to stem the flow of blood.

With a knowing glance, he looked at the masked man, recognizing him as Erik.

With a look of disbelief and fear, his eyes opened wide. Although unexpected, he comprehended Erik's actions and their rationale.

The things he and the others did to him were cruel, and they lasted for years.

The blood gushed from his neck unrestrained, like water from a burst pipe, draining the color from his face until it was as pale as a sheet of paper.

At that moment, the only sounds were the melancholy whistling of the wind through the leaves and Conal's guttural, desperate sounds. His feeble groans were accompanied by his finger pointing at the masked man.