Chapter 73

• The battlefield, once filled with the chaos of clashing forces and the agonized screams of the dying, was now deathly still. A dark, eerie calm settled over the landscape as if the land itself were holding its breath, waiting for something to break the silence. The only sounds were the faint crackling of the magic that lingered in the air and the distant creaking of trees swaying under the weight of the storm that was gathering on the horizon.
• Ariana’s heart pounded in her chest, her body trembling from the exertion of wielding the ancient magic. She felt raw, hollow, as though the energy had carved out something deep inside her, leaving her emptier than before. She swayed on her feet, but Demion was there, his strong hands steadying her, his touch gentle yet firm.
• "You're pushing yourself too hard," he said softly, concern lining his voice. "You need to rest."