The sight sends a ripple of unease through Azure. "Humanoid… but corrupted," he mutters under his breath.
The commander steps in front of him, his tone sharp but measured. "Now, civilian, I must insist you leave. I know you mean well, but the situation is under control."
Azure lifts his hands in mock surrender, stepping back a pace. "I understand, sir. I won't interfere. But before I go… what are they? Why do they keep attacking you?"
The commander's eyes narrow slightly, as though debating whether to indulge Azure's curiosity. After a brief pause, he sighs, his gaze turning back toward the dark horde. "The Shadewraiths are drawn to the Heartwood. They seek to corrupt it, to destroy its light. If they were ever to succeed… everything here would die."
Azure nods slowly, his glowing eyes shifting back toward the approaching Shadewraiths. "Understood, Commander. I'll leave now." He steps away from the frontline, his expression calm but thoughtful.
