The moment the blade left Valen's body, the world did not return to normal, she gushed out blood from her mouth.
The sounds were distorted, stretching thin as though dragged through something unseen, the clash of weapons and the roar of battle suddenly distant, Valen could not tell if she was still standing or already falling.
Pain followed while something cold slipping beneath her skin, winding through her veins with an intent that was far more deliberate than any wound should allow.
Her grip tightened around her weapon instinctively, her body locking in place as she tried to steady herself
Rhydian staggered right in front of her, his body jerked slightly as his own blade drove into his side, it looked convincing enough to be mistaken for an attack.
But Valen saw right through everything, this was certainly his plan.
Her eyes widened faintly, confusion cutting through the haze of pain as she stared at him, trying to understand.
