Elena stood between Yuuta and Zeri with both arms stretched out, desperately trying to make her tiny body into a shield for her father.
She was trying her hardest to look brave, but Yuuta could see her legs trembling beneath her, her shoulders shaking with every breath while tears continued running down her cheeks.
She had just watched Zeri kill the remaining Shadow Corps soldiers without effort, and she was terrified, yet she refused to move.
Zeri stared down at the little girl without saying anything. There was no amusement in his golden eyes anymore, only the same cold expression he had worn since deciding to end the fight.
"Elena..." Yuuta forced out, desperately trying to reach her.
His fingers scraped against the rubble, but his arm barely moved. He tried forcing strength into his legs next, only to feel nothing respond. The helplessness was suffocating. His daughter was standing directly in front of a High Demon, and he couldn't even move enough to pull her behind him.
