That fight had been far closer than he wanted to admit.
If Fuing's final attack had landed properly, he would've died.
His gaze drifted toward the massive crater left behind by the explosion.
Nothing remained of Fuing.
Not even a corpse.
The man had fought until the very end.
Aiden respected that.
Then he looked toward the surrendered army.
Thousands remained alive, soldiers, practitioners, mercenaries, and clan members.
All kneeling, and waiting.
Aiden was silent for several moments.
Then he spoke.
"Kill them."
The words were calm.
Matter-of-fact.
As if discussing the weather.
The reaction was immediate.
Several surrendered soldiers looked up in horror.
One young guard's face turned white.
"We surrendered!"
Another shouted desperately.
"Please! Please spare us!"
"We threw down our weapons!"
"We aren't fighting anymore!"
Panic spread through the kneeling crowd.
Some began crying.
Others desperately begged for mercy.
But Aiden's expression never changed.
