Nathan stood, barely holding himself together, the weight of his injuries dragging his body into an agonizing slump. Diomedes' previous attack, bolstered by Poseidon's divine blessing, had left a gruesome gash stretching across his chest. Blood poured out in unrelenting streams, pooling at his feet, staining the earth beneath him. His trembling hand pressed futilely against the wound, but no amount of pressure could stem the crimson tide.
"F...fuck…" Nathan muttered, his voice barely a whisper, laced with pain and frustration. His breathing came in short, labored gasps, every inhale a sharp reminder of his mortality.
Nearby, Hector's panicked shout shattered the tense silence. "Heiron!!" His concern was genuine, the desperation in his tone undeniable, but before he could act, Chiron gripped his arm firmly, restraining him. The wise centaur shook his head, his expression grim, as if acknowledging the inevitability of what was unfolding.
