The echoing silence in the courtyard was profound. The dust from the annihilated Archdemon slowly settled, revealing Alaric slumped heavily against Professor Maelis, his breathing ragged, his powerful frame trembling with exertion. Maelis, her own heart still hammering from the sheer spectacle of his power, held him instinctively, her arms wrapping around his muscular back, her cheek resting against his sweat-dampened hair.
'He… he saved us. Again.' The thought reverberated through her mind, pushing aside the lingering shock of his almost suicidal tactic. 'That spell… it was beyond anything I've ever witnessed. What manner of power does he truly command?' She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the subtle tremor in his muscles. He was utterly spent.
"Alaric?" she whispered, her voice surprisingly soft, laced with a concern that went beyond mere professional courtesy. "Are you… truly alright?"
