Chapter 75: The Aftermath
Alex stood amidst the ruins of her brother's stronghold, her sword hanging loosely at her side. Smoke billowed in the air, mingling with the acrid stench of blood and ash. The screams of the dying and the groans of the wounded had faded into a heavy silence. Her victory should have felt like a triumph, but all she could sense was the weight of loss pressing down on her chest.
The fight was over. Her brother was gone. And yet, as she stared at the shattered remains of the organization that had nearly destroyed everything she held dear, she couldn't help but feel that something worse was on the horizon.
Ethan approached, limping slightly, his arm cradled against his chest where a deep cut still oozed blood. His face was pale, his eyes dull with exhaustion, but he managed a faint smile as he stopped beside her.
"You did it," he said, his voice hoarse. "It's over."