See?
Hell no, right?
It took everything in Riley not to collapse right then and there on the ground that had clearly been soaked in the elder's blood. His legs gave way anyway, going weak without warning, and the only reason he didn't hit the floor was because Kael caught him the moment he started to fold.
His breathing turned uneven, shallow, and too fast for anyone's liking.
Kael's arm tightened around him from behind, steady and firm as he pulled him back against his chest. One hand came up to cover Riley's eyes, blocking out the sight that had already burned itself into his mind.
"Breathe."
The command was quiet, but it held.
It was a reminder that he genuinely needed, especially after feeling like fate had dropped a bomb on his head.
Not just the sight.
Not just the corpse.
But everything that came with it.
