The battlefield outside the fortress was silent now, save for the faint crackle of dying flames and the groans of the wounded. Dark ichor stained the ground where twisted creatures had fallen, their corpses evaporating into thick, foul mist. Victory had been hard-won, but the air felt heavier than it should, as though something far worse loomed just out of sight.
Thadric stood amidst the carnage, his axe resting across his shoulder as he prodded the fallen dark figure with his boot. Their shattered armor no longer pulsed with the sinister energy it had moments ago.
'Is this all they've got?'
he said, his voice carrying across the quiet battlefield.
Looking up at the ramparts, Thadric grinned and waved.
'Kade! You enjoying the show up there?'
From atop the wall, Kade leaned against the cold stone railing, trying not to look like he was about to collapse from stress.
