The floating timer above the courtyard continued falling lower while cracks spread slowly across the golden barrier overhead. Each pulse from the weakening dome caused faint golden fragments to drift through the air before disappearing.
Helen's brows stayed furrowed while she glanced repeatedly between the fading barrier and Zich's motionless body. Even now, he still sat against the cracked pillar with his eyes closed as though completely unaware of the danger returning outside.
Jayden saw her expression and a cold look crossed his face before he spoke flatly, "Maybe pain would wake him faster."
"You can focus on the barrier instead," Helen replied while stepping directly in front of Zich slightly. "I'll handle this side."
Jayden clicked his tongue softly but said nothing else.
Not far away, Varok quietly observed the exchange while adjusting his grip around the bone spear. Unlike Jayden, his attention was more focused on Zich himself.
