Varen
The moment I stepped into the hut, I froze.
The air was thick with smoke, blood, and something far worse—desperation. The scent of burnt herbs and dark magic stung my throat. My eyes darted wildly, struggling to make sense of the chaos in front of me.
Kiel was slumped against the wall, his face pale, his chest heaving faintly. His shirt was soaked through with blood. Just beside him lay Josie, motionless—her skin ghostly white, her lips trembling as though she wanted to speak but couldn't find the strength.
For a heartbeat, I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. I didn't know who to go to first.
"Kiel!" I rasped finally, dropping to my knees beside him. His head lolled to the side, and I cursed under my breath, shaking him lightly. "Open your eyes, dammit. Look at me!"
Nothing.
