Alaric coughed, a spray of crimson blood erupting from his lips, staining the pristine snow. The world spun. His vision blurred at the edges, and the pain in his chest was a raw, burning agony. He tried to push himself up from Maelis's soft, yielding body, but his muscles screamed in protest. He slumped back down, groaning.
'Damn. That Archdemon hit harder than I thought. Sovereign's Iron Body needs more work.'
He felt Maelis stir beneath him, her breath hitching.
"Alaric! Are you…?" she gasped, her voice laced with genuine concern.
He forced a weak grin. "A little… winded, Professor." He coughed again, more blood. "Just… give me a moment. Five minutes. Ten, tops." His voice was raspy. "I need you to… buy me some time."
