Brigid collapsed to the ground, the demon spawn's severed hand still locked around her throat even as Cassian ripped it away. The creature's bisected upper body hit the dirt with a heavy thud, split cleanly in two. Cassian had unleashed his Domain through the Gale Whispering Sword, not upon the blade itself, but across his own body—forcing his strike past the spawn's defenses with sheer precision and will.
Brigid coughed harshly as the crushing grip on her neck finally loosened. Cassian leaned down, eyes sharp as he asked, "Are you alright?"
Even while speaking, his gaze swept the battlefield, wary. No more enemies lurked close by, though faint rustling echoed further ahead.
She wasn't. Cassian noticed the blood on her lips and the dark bruise forming around her throat. His Domain gathered only around his hands, a deep red shimmer flickering like faint firelight. When he pressed his palm to her neck, Brigid stiffened, ready to pull back, but his other hand held her steady.
