Rueful Resolve

Neron's breath caught, his usually composed demeanor cracking as his eyes widened. 

"What?"

The Cult Leader's voice remained steady. "Legris Damien, Reed Sterling, and Frankfurt Lawcroft... they were all killed during the mission. The barrier concealed more than we anticipated. What they encountered was beyond their capacity to handle."

The words hit Neron like a physical blow. He closed his eyes, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.

"Legris..." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Karlia placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind. 

"I'm sorry, Neron."

The Cult Leader rose from his seat, his presence commanding. "Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We are closer than ever to realizing our goal, but we must remain vigilant. The path ahead will only grow more treacherous."

Neron didn't respond.