Chapter 100: Knocked Out
Fin stepped back through the shimmering fissure, the air shifting from the heavy stink of Kain’s throne room to the cool, damp earth scent of his own forest. The tear hung open behind him, pulsing faintly.
Arachne stood near the base of a tree, leaning against it slightly. Her breathing was shallow, her face pale beneath streaks of grime and dried blood. She straightened immediately when she saw him, wincing as she moved, and bowed low despite the obvious pain racking her body. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, trembling slightly.
"Welcome back, my Lord." Her voice was quiet, strained, but steady.
He looked at her, taking in the battered state, the way she held herself upright through sheer will. A faint smile touched his lips. He walked over and patted her head gently, awkwardly.
’she is very loyal, cute.’
Arachne went utterly still for a beat, her dark eyes widening almost imperceptibly. Then she straightened her posture even further, the trembling in her hands lessening slightly.
Fin turned back to the fissure. It still pulsed with that sickly light, an open wound in his domain. He lifted his hand, fingers spread, then slowly closed them into a fist.
The tear in the air shuddered. It folded inwards on itself, lines of light converging, shrinking, until it snapped shut with a faint pop, leaving only undisturbed forest air.
’Okay. Closed.’ He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, the adrenaline finally fading, leaving bone-deep exhaustion behind. The fight, the power drain, the confrontation... it had taken more out of him than he realized.
He started walking towards the direction of the castle, his steps heavier than intended. "Let’s go—"
His vision swam. The trees blurred into indistinct shapes. The ground tilted sharply beneath his feet. He hit the soft moss before he fully registered he was falling.