(...)

I turned toward Lyssindra, my steps deliberate despite the chaos erupting all around us. My corrupted arm pulsed faintly with heat, the blackened veins a stark reminder of what I had just unleashed. I tucked it out of sight, hiding it beneath my cloak, and extended my other hand to her instead. “Come on”, I said, meeting her wide, frightened eyes, “We need to move. Now.”

For a moment, she didn’t move, her gaze flickering from my face to my outstretched hand, then to the chaos behind me. Fear and hesitation clouded her expression, but finally, she reached out, grasping my hand with trembling fingers. “Don’t let go”, she whispered, her voice barely audible.

(...)

[excerpt from the journal of Mordamir]