His head struck the ground with a sickening thud as his body crumpled. It happened so fast that Torben was already lying on the grass before Circe could even react.
A strangled scream caught in her throat as her eyes stung with tears. She dropped to her knees beside him, her hands trembling as she hovered over him, not sure of what to do.
"Torben?" she called, her voice breaking. She shook his shoulders gently, but he didn't stir. His body lay limp, utterly motionless, and the sight of it made her terror surge.
He needed urgent help. But everyone who could possibly assist was still inside the castle. She thought of carrying him back, but one glance at his size compared to hers made the task seem impossible.
Her mind spun in panic. Should she stay with him or run for help? If she left, something worse could happen before she returned. Yet sitting here, helpless and watching him slip away, felt unbearable.
