The chamber was quiet, lit only by the steady glow of mana lamps embedded in the stone walls. Nicolas lay on the bed, his chest rising faintly with each shallow breath. His skin was pale, his body motionless beneath the heavy bandages wrapped around his torso.
Noel sat in a chair at his side, elbows resting on his knees, eyes fixed on the Archmage. For a long moment he said nothing.
'At least he's breathing…'
The thought eased the knot in his chest, but only for an instant. His hands curled into fists against his thighs.
'But without his help from now on… it's going to be a heavy blow. Nicolas was one of the strongest pillars of Valor. And now…'
He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to keep the grief down. Nicolas still lived, but the man who had always seemed untouchable was now broken, his mana core shattered beyond repair.
