A thunderous crash echoed through the battlefield as Erend's body slammed into the ground, the impact sending a massive shockwave through the ruined pavement in front of Laston's tower.
The earth cracked beneath the impact, debris and dust exploding into the air. For a moment everything was just still. The Elves froze in front of the portal, their hearts hammering in their chests as they stared at the crater where Erend had landed.
Vael clenched his fists. Arlyn took an instinctive step toward Erend, his muscles tensed with urgency. Even Sylra, exhausted as she was, gritted her teeth and steadied herself.
The sheer force of that blow… anyone else would have been shattered. He received it at point blank.
"We can't just leave him!" Arlyn burst out, his voice filled with frustration. "We should stay and help!"
But before he could move, Aerchon's hand shot out, gripping his shoulder firmly. His expression was grim but steady. "No. We need to leave."
