As I lay there catching my breath, the leader of the heroes sheathed his sword and extended a hand to help me up.
His eyes were still intense, but now that the battle had ended, there was a different emotion in them something between respect and curiosity.
The rest of the group gathered around, though still keeping a careful distance from the creature's now lifeless form.
I stood on shaky legs, trying to keep myself composed despite the lingering adrenaline coursing through me.
"That was reckless," the leader said, his voice carrying a blend of reprimand and approval. "But effective. What's your name?"
His tone was formal, but his question caught me off guard. I stammered, unsure if I should speak up, but I managed to say, "Alyndra... My name is Alyndra."