Chapter 27
The Weight of Loss
Sorcha watched in awe as the young healer knelt beside Commander Nethran, her movements purposeful and precise.
She placed the runes in a careful circle around him, murmuring softly.
The runes responded to her voice, emitting a gentle hum as their light grew brighter.
Swirling patterns of glowing energy appeared above each rune, weaving an ethereal glow over the scene.
Sorcha felt a flicker of hope. The healer’s calm demeanor and deliberate actions gave her confidence that the Commander was in good hands.
As much as she wanted to stay, Sorcha’s attention shifted to Kyron.
His body had given way after the battle, making sure to give his distance from the others, as to not intrude.
Sorcha glanced at the healer one last time before stepping outside to check on him.
The scent of strong earthy herbs lingered in the air as the healer continued her work.
Sorcha found Kyron leaning against the side of the building, his face pale and drawn but his eyes scanned the remnants of the battlefield.
He straightened when she approached, placing a firm yet reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“He’s going to recover,” Kyron said, his voice low and filled with conviction. “I can feel it.”
The certainty in his tone left no room for doubt.
Sorcha nodded.
Kyron’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “Your friends need you,” he said quietly.
The words hit Sorcha harder than she expected as the air left her lungs when her thoughts turned to Emry. She forced herself to turn toward the town square, steeling herself for what she knew awaited.
As she walked the memories of Emry and Riona surged forward painting vivid and painfully clear pictures. Huddled together at the outpost where their hands brushed so subtly that anyone else might have missed it. She’d seen
the way Riona’s eyes softened when she looked at him, the way Emry’s guarded smile broke free so easily when Riona was near. All the assignments together, school study sessions and sparing, they always pretended they weren’t together but she had known for a long time they were in love.
Everyone did. But she never pressed Riona about it.
Riona was private, and Sorcha respected that.
It had been enough to witness the quiet moments they shared, like the time she stumbled upon them in the meadow.
She could still see it now: the way Riona’s head rested against Emry’s shoulder, his hand tracing lazy patterns along her arm, their laughter mingling with the hum of summer crickets.
By the time she reached the town square, the sight that unfolded was shattering.
The city she knew felt like a faraway dream now.
The streets were littered with bodies; people and creatures alike all twisted and broken.
The scent of blood hung thick in the air, mingling with the sound of muffled sobs that came from all directions.
Sorcha stood silent where Emry had fallen, unable to look away from the spot where his blood still stained the cobblestones.
Riona stood there too unmoving, staring at the same place. Her eyes were bloodshot, brimming with tears that refused to fall.
“Riona…” Sorcha’s voice cracked as she stepped closer. She hesitated, her hand faltering mid reach, unsure what comfort she could possibly offer.
Riona didn’t speak. Instead, she turned her head slightly, her tear-streaked face twisting in anguish.
With trembling hands, Sorcha reached out again, this time placing her hand over Riona’s. “He loved you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “You know that, don’t you? He loved you more than anything.”
Riona let out a soft, broken sound, her head bowing as she crumpled further. Sorcha moved closer, wrapping her arms around her friend, holding her as tightly as she could.
At a distance, Kyron stood silently, his gaze fixed on them. He gave her a single nod of understanding before turning and heading back inside to check on the Commander.