The last fragments of frozen flesh scattered across the rooftop, carried away by the night wind. Ryn let out a shaky breath…and his knees finally buckled.
He dropped onto the wet tiles, one hand bracing against the roof, the other pressed weakly to his ribs. His vision swam, a side effect of over MP consumption.
Maria's voice came over the earpiece again.
"…Sorry." Her voice softened sharply. "Forget that. I shouldn't have asked."
Ryn managed an exhale that might have been a laugh, but came out more like a cough.
"It's fine," he muttered, wiping frost from his eyelashes. "Just… tired."
For a moment, there was only the sound of water dripping from the shattered tower and the distant clamor of approaching boots.
Then Maria's tone sharpened, her professionalism kicking in.
"Good news first," she said. "Sera's stable. My healer reached her a few minutes ago."
Ryn's shoulders slumped in relief.
"And the kids?"
