Standoff

For a single frozen moment, it seemed like nobody moved. 

Ashlynn's eyes darted about, growing wider and wider as she took in everything that had unfolded in the short amount of time she'd been locked in battle with the spirits possessing Hauke. 

Her heart trembled at the sight of Heila's bloodstained figure lying slumped in Ignatious's arms, but the soft, protective way the fallen Inquisitor held her held very little anxiety for the diminutive witch. The vampire himself looked ragged, and the sleeves of his crimson and gold robes had been burned away, perhaps by the sword he held in one hand, but it was clear that whatever had happened had taken its toll on both of them. 

Seeing Heila safe and sound, unfortunately, was the only bright spot in a snow filled world that contained far too much red.