An Act of Mercy [6]

Azriel's lips twitched as he glared at Solomon, his annoyance barely masked.

Sure, he looked like hell, but Solomon wasn't faring much better.

No visible wounds, but the dried blood smeared across his face told enough about his condition.

Without a word, Solomon threw Zoran in front of Azriel, Celestina, and Vergil, as if discarding trash.

A groan escaped Zoran's lips, his face twisting in discomfort.

Celestina and Vergil paled, realizing with horror that Zoran was still alive.

They stepped back, unsure, while Azriel remained rooted in place, eyes locked on Solomon.

"You didn't kill him?"

Azriel's voice was flat, almost indifferent.

Solomon shrugged.

"I beat him without needing to. Seemed only fair to let you finish him off after everything."

Azriel's brow furrowed as he looked down at Zoran, who, despite having no eyes, seemed to stare back.

A strange, unsettling calm lingered between them.