Liam looked up at the morning sky through the enormous opening left by the Ashmaw.
Pale sunlight spilled across the broken stones, illuminating the dust drifting through the air. Somewhere beyond the ruined entrance, Eldric and his monstrous mount were moving away, their presence growing more distant with every passing second.
Liam did not jump after them.
Instead, he stood motionless, one hand pressed against his injured stomach while the other held the sword. His breathing remained uneven, and the burns across his body throbbed with every movement. Golden light still flowed beneath his skin, but it could not hide the condition of his body. He had already taken more punishment than he could afford, and his strength was beginning to slip.
Behind him, Irina emerged from the collapsing tunnel, coughing as she brushed dust from her hair. The moment she saw him standing still, she hurried toward him.
"Liam, what are you doing? They're getting away!"
"I know."
