Her face was set in a snarl as she spun round to face them
Ereac looked at her, begging her to stop. He was exhausted.
She lunged for him awkwardly, her movements jerky, uncoordinated. He dodged, the blade catching him on his shoulder as she slinked past. As she prepared for another attack, Aoren burst through the door, catching her off guard and buying precious time. Aoren balanced on his toes, his hands ready for attack and a spell on his lips. She risked a glance behind her. Seizing his opportunity, Aoren darted forward, knocking her blade across the stone floor with a clatter. Nyx watched the blood well and pool across her palm, transfixed, as he skidded to stand in front of ErĂ«ac, muttering. With a small twist of his hand he pulled the blade towards him. Her eyes drifted to ErĂ«ac, standing with blades pointed at her. Aoren kept muttering under his breath, swaying slightly. Nyx lunged again, trying to escape. Keeping one hand raised slightly, aoren gestured towards the door. It swung shut.  Â
She took a hesitant half step back before snarling and stopping. Ereac felt a weight against his side, looking down, he saw Aoren- exhausted and relieved propping himself up. His whole body was trembling, his breathing ragged and gasping. He was watching Nyx from under his fringe, hands outstretched and trembling in front of him.
âEreac?â She looked at him, her fighting stance abandoned.
Aoren stumbled, hands splayed as he fell to his knees. He attempted to push himself back up, but just slid further onto the floor. Defeated, he just lay there, letting Erëac gently pull him onto his lap.
Lirek charged through the door, skidding to a halt as he saw the scene in front of him: Nyx standing, unbalanced, staring wide eyed and scared as ErĂ«ac cradled Aorenâs trembling body.
She gently padded forward.
'Get away!' Erëac growled at her, throwing his arm out behind and sending her skidding across the floor, only stopping as she hit the wall.
Lirek grabbed her by the side of her neck, dragging her into a standing position. He watched his brother with a look of horror, his slender fingers digging into Nyx's shoulders. She was crying.
âI can help, E-â Her voice wavered, breaking into hiccuping sobs. Lirek pulled her back harshly.
âI think you've done enough to my brother already.â He spat, his voice rough with emotion. A look passes between the men, and Lirek nods.
"Let's go.' He spoke steadily, pushing her in front and slowly walking out of the room.
ErĂ«ac's hand was pressed against Aoren's cheek, trying to feel for some magic left. âAoren,â he pleaded, beads of sweat collecting across the younger boys face as Ereac cradled him. âAoren, please.â
âIt worked.â He smiled weakly. A look of content passed across his face, before nodding to himself and succumbing to the darkness. Ereac gently scooped him up, Aoren's body limp in his arms. At least unconscious he wouldn't fight him.
