Regaining his senses, Liam found himself in The crystalline throne area. The massive crystal, which once pulsed with a soft glow, now stood in silent, as its luminosity dimmed.
His own heartbeat, erratic and loud, filled his ears, making him acutely aware of the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Cold sweat clung to his skin.
Every breath he took felt labored as if he was trying to inhale the weight of the trauma he had just experienced.
He then caught sight of Alric and Zalya. Their usual composed demeanors were nowhere to be found. Instead, they lay slumped, their eyes wide with a mixture of terror and disbelief. Their breaths came in short, ragged gasps, and their faces were pale, drained of all color.
