A girl with pale blonde hair knelt beside a group of fallen guards, her white robes stained with dirt and blood that wasn't hers.
Her blue eyes were wide with worry as she raised her staff, the tip glowing with soft golden light as she channeled healing magic into the wounded man before her.
The glow spread across his injuries, knitting torn flesh, easing pain. His breathing steadied.
She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her shoulders sagged slightly.
One more. Just one more and I can rest.
"Lady Aria!"
A guard rushed toward her, his armor dented, face pale with urgency. "You're needed at the front line. Please, hurry!"
The relief drained out of her instantly. She stood, ignoring the way her legs protested after kneeling for so long, and followed without question.
When she reached the forward position, the words died in her throat.
