Ethan remained kneeling beside Marcus's lifeless body, his mind reeling from the events that had just transpired. The once formidable agent was now reduced to a shell of his former self, a man who had battled forces far beyond his understanding and paid the ultimate price. Despite their victory in disabling the ritual, a heavy weight settled on Ethan's shoulders—the ominous warning Marcus had delivered with his dying breath lingered like a shadow in his mind.
Zoe, still catching her breath from the intensity of the moment, slowly stood and approached Ethan. Her gaze fell on Marcus, and for a moment, she looked as if she might say something, but the words never came. Instead, she placed a hand on Ethan's shoulder, offering silent support.
"We need to get out of here," she finally said, her voice strained. "Whatever's still out there, we can't fight it from here."
Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. "You're right. Let's move."
