"No—Mary!"
Emilia screamed and tried to stand, but her strength failed her. She collapsed to her knees again and coughed up a mouthful of blood.
She was in critical condition.
The earlier blow had shattered her ribs. Every breath sent jagged pain through her chest, as if broken fragments were digging into her lungs. Her vision blurred, her face twisting in agony as she struggled just to inhale.
At least… Mimi was unharmed.
Emilia's body had taken the full force of the impact. She had protected her.
But now…
Did that even matter?
With these injuries, she couldn't fight anymore. Aron was down. Mary was gone. There was no one left to stand.
No path to victory.
The truth tasted bitter, but Emilia understood what had to be done.
She had to run.
She had to reach the dungeon gate, somehow, and escape. If she could just get out, then at least she and Mimi would survive.
