The moment Aaron's body hit the floor, time seemed to slow.
Kyle's breath caught in his throat.
His fingers clenched around Zalrielle's hilt so tightly it hurt. Lightning crackled faintly along the blade. Flickering and weak, like his strength.
Across from him. Reo was breathing hard, chest rising and falling in ragged bursts. His spear was raised, but his hands were shaking.
His face was pale, blood dripping down his chin from a cut just below his jaw.
Eleanora stood frozen. Her estoc was pointed low, its black metal gleaming with a faint, pulsing light.
Dark mana dripped from the tip like ink onto the floor.
The cultist didn't rush.
He smiled.
A slow, crooked grin.
With a casual flick. He pulled his dagger from Aaron's stomach.
Schlick.
The sound was wet and sickening.
Aaron's body didn't move. Blood pooled beneath him, spreading in a thick, red circle.
His single working arm was twisted beneath him. His eyes were still open.
Dead.
