Vivian pushed through the debris, the stench of smoke and dust thick in her nose. Tiny embers floated through the air, scattered across the scorched ground. The sky burned a furious red, and her legs trembled beneath her. Her head throbbed, bones screaming with every step.
"Chief…"
She tried to run faster, but her eyes locked onto the towering figure ahead—about fifty meters away.
Argo stood silently, his focus fixed on something below him.
Vivian's heart dropped.
At his feet, the unmoving body of Lemon.
Panic surged through her as she forced her legs forward.
She crashed beside him, collapsing to her knees.
"Chief…"
His lips no longer wore that familiar, cheery smile. His eyelids hung low, hiding the warmth in his eyes.
She shook his body—his head swayed loosely.
Argo's cold gaze locked onto the motionless Lemon.
"I almost forgot what my own blood looked like...."
"You did well, Lemon Tyl... Now die honorably at the hands of a Valtarian sentinel."
