* * *
Back to present
Sounds interrupted my intense gaze with Ari: the horrifying sounds of Terrans being massacred. The screams were filled with terror, distinct from the cries of mere injury. Even from my position, I could sense the ominous presence of Darkscythe. Below me, to my right, Terrans were losing their lives, and my side was triumphing; the souls of my kind were gone, consumed, lost forever, annihilated; and yet my side was gaining the upper hand in the battle. My emotions were conflicted, to say the least.
However, this victory did strengthen my stance if I were to present myself as a negotiator. As I pondered this, another interruption occurred, someone pushing past the honor guard to stand beside Ari.
At this moment, everything seemed to accelerate and decelerate simultaneously; events unfolded more rapidly, but I felt as though I had more time to observe, analyze, recognize the risks, and feel fear.
