Aeliana's breath caught in her throat as she saw him. He looked tired but resolute, his eyes scanning the room before locking onto hers. A brief smile tugged at his lips, a silent reassurance that he was home and safe.
But Aeliana's relief was short-lived as a sudden, horrifying vision flashed before her eyes– Ardeen's body, a gaping hole in his chest, blood pouring out onto the floor, his eyes wide open and lifeless, blood seeping from them as well.
She blinked, trying to shake off the disturbing image, but it clung to her mind like a dark shadow.
Her gaze shifted to the seven members of his battalion. They stood tall and proud, yet another gruesome vision assaulted her senses– their bodies torn and bloodied, lifeless and strewn about in a motionless and grotesque.
Aeliana's heart pounded in her chest, her hands clenching into fists as she struggled to maintain her composure.
