The woman's eyes flickered again. For one brief moment the blackness receded and raw terror showed through. Then the corruption surged back. She collapsed as Lila's blade found a disabling strike, not fatal. The other two fell moments later, subdued but breathing.
The patrol bound them carefully. Lila stood over the gray-haired woman, chest tight. "We bring them back. Elara might reach what's left. If there's any chance to save them, we take it."
Thorne wiped his axe, breathing hard. "You're risking the whole patrol on maybes."
"I'm risking what needs risking," she replied. "We don't become the monsters we fight. Not while I lead."
