Simyon and Safa, Protection

The words Raze had spoken echoed in Simyon's mind—he needed to protect Safa at all costs.

But the truth was, he didn't need Raze to tell him. He would have done it of his own will, without hesitation. No matter what happened, he would keep her safe.

When she ran to his side, he instinctively placed his hands around her head, shielding her without thinking of his own safety. It left him completely exposed.

The deafening bang that had become all too familiar rang through the battlefield once again. Safa barely had time to process what was happening when a splatter of crimson shot past her face.

Simyon's head jerked violently to the side, as if struck by an invisible hammer. His entire body followed the motion, flung across the ground before hitting the hard floor with a sickening thud.

Safa's eyes widened in horror as she saw him lying there, blood pooling from the top of his skull, his body unmoving.