She inhaled, but the air stank of ash and death. It filled her lungs, bitter and unyielding.
Her gaze swept across the remains of her kingdom. What had she fought so hard to protect? What had it all been for?
Beside her, Knox stood silent, his once-proud posture sagging beneath invisible chains of guilt. The embers that threaded his veins flickered weakly, casting ghostly light upon his weary face. His eyes, one gold, one black, reflected both divinity and damnation. He had become what he thought would save them. Instead, he had helped bring this ruin.
Behind them, Maddox staggered over the rubble, blood staining his torn tunic. His sword was nick-edged and heavy with the memory of too many battles dragged behind him, a grim reminder of what they had lost.
"We failed," Knox said at last, voice hollow. His words vanished into the smoke.
