Kaelen gritted his teeth, cursing under his breath as he wiped the dirt and blood off his face. His mind raced with frustration.
Why is it so different this time? Back in the Conduit, he didn't have this much trouble with the damn thing. One strike from his flames, and it staggered. But now… nothing.
His eyes darted to the creature still looming ominously ahead, its spines pulsating faintly with that eerie glow. Something wasn't adding up, and the mystery gnawed at him like an itch he couldn't scratch.
"Kaelen…"
The weak, hoarse voice snapped him out of his thoughts. His head jerked toward the sound, and his heart sank as he spotted Seline struggling to push herself up on trembling arms. Her usually vibrant presence was dimmed, her face pale as she managed to kneel upright.
Kaelen rushed to her side, dropping to his knees and gently gripping her shoulders.
"Don't push yourself. You need to rest—"
