Their faces immediately brightened up the moment they saw him.
"Damien!" they both cried out at once, their voices overlapping—filled with overwhelming relief and disbelief that he was truly there before them.
Damien exhaled deeply, the tension in his chest easing just slightly, but the frown on his face didn't fade.
The relief of seeing them alive was sharp, but the chaos still raging outside kept his thoughts razor-focused.
He held his sword firmly, moving closer to them.
"You're both alright?" he asked, his tone low and urgent as his eyes scanned them from head to toe.
His hand briefly brushed against Claire's arm, then Nora's shoulder, checking for any signs of blood or injuries.
His gaze lingered on their trembling forms, searching for even the smallest wound.
Claire swallowed and nodded, forcing a small, shaky smile.
"We're fine…" she said softly, though her voice quivered with lingering fear.
