The fighting had finally stopped.
Smoke still drifted across the broken courtyard in thin grey ribbons. The ground was churned to mud and littered with weapons, torn clothing, and the still forms of those who would not rise again. The whole yard smelled of burning wood and blood.
Warriors moved slowly now, some carrying the bodies of fallen packmates, others kneeling beside them with heads bowed. Quiet weeping mixed with the low murmur of voices and the distant groan of the injured.
Kira and Derek stepped out of the fortress together. Dirt and blood streaked their skin and clothes, but they walked side by side, Kira mostly leaning on Derek.
The stronghold had come down on one side entirely. What was left of the north wall stood black against a sky that had started to lighten at the edges.
Kira took one look at the sad scene and her heart fell.
Oh, Lux said, very quietly. Such a sad scene.
