An abrupt total silence fell over the market square the panicked screams died in throats. Guards froze mid-action The only sound was the faint crackle of energy from Sylas's trapped sword and the ragged gasps of Elara, still on her knees, staring up at the back of her protector in sheer uncomprehending awe.
Sylas snarled, his face contorting with rage He yanked with all his might, but the blade might as well have been set in solid granite. "What in the burning hells are you" he spat, his voice a mixture of fury and a dawning, primal fear.
Kael didn't answer with words. Instead, he released the blade with a sharp precise twist of his wrist The sudden lack of resistance sent Sylas stumbling backwards, off-balance and confused. In that single critical moment, Kael's internal command center ignited.
