Chapter 144

• The sight of Denzel collapsing at their feet sent a jolt through both Eliane and Eric. Blood seeped through his tattered clothes, staining the ground beneath him as his body trembled from exhaustion and pain. The thick scent of iron filled the air, sharp and unmistakable.
• Eric was the first to react, dropping to his knees beside Denzel, his sharp eyes scanning the gaping wounds across the injured man's arms and chest. His heart pounded against his ribs, a primal fear clawing at him. Denzel was one of their strongest warriors—if he had been brought to this state, then whatever had happened had to be catastrophic.
• Eliane, standing frozen in shock, forced herself to move. Her breath hitched as she knelt beside them, pressing a hand to Denzel’s shoulder. His body was burning up, his skin clammy from blood loss.