The arena was silent now, the dust still settling where the golden dragon had raged. The acrid scent of scorched stone hung in the air, mingling with the faint hum of residual magic.
Students who hadn't managed to flee stood frozen at the gates, staring wide-eyed at the boy lying unconscious on the cracked platform.
Aranea clutched Aleck's face in her hands, her tears dripping onto his scorched skin. "Please wake up, please…" Her voice shook.
Darenn knelt beside her, steady and calm, though his jaw was tight. He placed his hand on Aleck's chest, channeling earth energy to stabilize his core. "He's alive. Just unconscious."
"Is he going to be alright?"
"Of course, he will, puny Summoner," Darenn answered, Aranea not caring about the nickname like she always did. "Remember he just sparred and he's fatigued. That may be the trigger on why he lost control."
Aranea let out a shaky breath of relief, collapsing forward to rest her forehead against her brother's shoulder.
