And in that moment, as he stared at her sunken face, Ellis couldn't help but imagine the kind of life she must have endured these past five years.
It had only been five years. And yet… she looked like someone who had aged more than just that.
He said nothing. But his gaze finally shifted back to the mage.
'Even now, you don't intend to surrender?' That was the thought that passed through his mind, as he felt her concealed movement. But he didn't voice it.
There was no point. He hadn't planned on sparing her anyway.
Whether she resisted or not changed nothing. So, even as she subtly began to prepare her spell, Ellis remained unmoved.
… That's until Silas entered the room. Approached swiftly, her eyes scanning the scene, then moved to the bedside without a word.
There was nothing that needed to be said more. Her presence alone was enough.
And so, the moment she arrived at his mother's side, Ellis moved.
He didn't give the mage a second longer. He dashed forward.
