Chapter 454: The Horrors of War
The horrified silence that had gripped the city after the Mana Storm shattered as the two armies clashed. I winced, covering my ears against the din of battle: the horrific chorus of screams, the thunderous roar of explosions, and the sickening crunch of metal on bone. The two armies collided with brutal force, a maelstrom of violence and desperation.
The Last Light Company surged into the Brithlite ranks, leaving a trail of carnage in their wake. Each soldier fought with grim necessity, cutting down the weakened and disoriented men and women of Brithlite with chilling efficiency. Hundreds fell in the initial clash, their cries drowned out by the deafening roar of battle.
A profound sorrow weighed heavy on the actions of the Last Light Company. Their solemn faces lacked the glory and pride that marked their other battles, and even the youngest, most idealistic soldiers seemed reluctant.
There was no honor in slaying their countrymen, who, under different circumstances, might have been allies or even friends. But the Heart Crest had twisted their minds and souls, leaving them vacant and erratic. As they rallied against the sudden assault, they fought with mindless ferocity, each a zealot for the Circle’s twisted cause.
The screams of the dead and dying wore on me, weighing on my heart until I turned away, unable to watch. This wasn’t like any battle we’d fought before; we were the aggressors now, and our opponents were those who had no control over their own actions. Their blood was on my hands.
"My Lady, we should get going," Luxxa’s voice cut through the haze of guilt that threatened to engulf me, startling me back to the present.
I nodded quickly and grasped Fable’s fur, straining to pull myself onto his back. My arms, still weak from casting Mana Storm, struggled to lift my weight, and I sagged back, panting with the effort. Suddenly, two strong arms caught me and lifted me effortlessly, like a child. The fingers brushed against my sunpurge, sending a sharp thrill of pain through me, but I bit my lip and nodded gratefully at Gith as he gently placed me on Fable’s back.
"Thanks," I mumbled, subtly rubbing my side, hoping he wouldn’t notice my discomfort.
"It was simply my duty," he replied.