He felt the drain immediately. Soul Energy pulled out in a sharp wave, syncing with Tock's rhythm. A dull ache spread through his chest.
Then his body vanished.
It wasn't a teleport — just speed. The plate had done something to the space between his steps. He reappeared above Vincent's shoulder before his own shadow caught up.
There was no time to adjust. He dropped his heel.
Vincent looked up as it landed.
The strike sent him to the ground hard. Stone split beneath him in a perfect ring. Randalp landed unevenly, knees trembling under the force. He didn't get to enjoy the silence.
Vincent twitched. One hand curled against the floor. His chest rose once. The shard embedded near his ribs flared like a furnace.
Still breathing. Still in it.
