Merek stood alone at the barrier gate in mid lane. His spear was raised. His shoulder was still bleeding from Dominic's earlier strike. The wound was shallow but persistent, a line of red that dripped down his arm. Finn was respawning. Soren was still in the respawn chamber, unable to move. Amelia had fallen. Nyssa had fallen. His whole team was gone.
He was the only thing standing between Team Three and the core.
Dominic approached the gate. Kellan flanked left, through the pillars, his short blade ready. Wobbly was on Dominic's shoulder, the pink bow perfectly centered, its body calm and still. Through the bond, Dominic could feel Florence's approval, a warm crackle of satisfaction. Theresa's presence was steady beneath it.
Merek watched them come. His scarred face was unreadable. His spear tip never wavered.
"You fought well," Merek said. His voice was tired. "Your whole team did. We underestimated you."
