Thunder

Thunder raged across the azure heavens, a deep rumble echoing through the world.

With violent intent, Ethan roused Phito from slumber.

The illusion began to crumble, reality flickering in and out of existence.

Ethan felt his soul plunging into the abyss, on the cusp of suffocation.

Then he jolted awake with a gasp— "Heh—"

Lana Mokos hurried to his side, offering support:

"Ethan, are you alright?"

Pale-faced, Ethan gestured dismissively: "I'm fine, the real concern is Daphne."

With that, he shrugged off Lana Mokos's aid and scooped Daphne into his arms.

Her complexion was ghostly, her brows furrowed as if ensnared by a nightmare.

Slowly, she opened her eyes — orbs as clear as glass — and gazed tenderly at Ethan.

"Ethan, what's happened to you?"

Ethan's lips quivered as he eyed the dark shadows under her eyes:

"I'm fine. But what about you?"