Her blade flared, white mana surging violently as she countered with a precise upward slash that cleaved through shadow and forced the demon to retreat a step.
One step.
That alone was unthinkable.
Kael's fingers twitched.
His jaw screamed in protest as he forced it to move, blood spilling freely as he tried to breathe.
His leg burned, numb and agonizing all at once.
The saber girl shifted her stance, placing herself fully between Kael and Zhal'Mortis, wings of smoke and shadow looming over her like a stormcloud.
Her sword trembled from strain.
She glanced back at Kael briefly, white eyes softening just a fraction.
Another silent message passed through the bond.
"Rest… just for a moment."
Zhal'Mortis raised both arms.
Not with sound—there was still none—but with intent.
Zhal'Mortis spread his six wings wider, abyssal smoke pouring from them like a funeral tide.
