too many wounds, not enough scars.

Chaos reigned in the stairwell of the River Tower.

Vivi screamed as blood spurted from the open arteries and ruined muscles of her right shoulder. SWD officers dropped into firing positions, their rifles discharging bolts of pure flame into the corridor beyond; pitch-black spears and daggers flew through the open doorway, striking a young Flameguard and sending him tumbling over the railing. His body smacked into metal railings all the way down, the crunch of breaking bones echoing through the building's interior.

"All soldiers, defensive formations!" Titus roared, taking charge immediately. He slammed his flaming mace into the concrete, and an Angelic shield rippled to life, sealing the doorway. Shards of shadow slammed into the feather-woven wall, but for now, the barrier held.