After the End (Julian and MC)

13

Julian gasps when he sees the blood, moving to peel off his gloves but stopping when his eyes widen in realisation. He can't heal with magic anymore, and the pain and regret in his grey eyes is almost unbearable. I press my hands to my neck, and close my eyes as my magic presses itself into my wounds.

"It's alright." I rasp, smiling weakly as I open my eyes to look at Julian. When the marks from where Vulgora dug their claws in heal, I slowly sit up, leaning on Julian as I look to see what the courtiers are doing.

Valdemar is advancing on Portia and Scout, while Vulgora fends off attacks from Asra, Aisha and Salim. I struggle to my feet, racing over to save Portia and Scout from Valdemar. Julian follows me, and I point to Portia, silently telling him to get to her. He nods, and dashes for his sister while I jump at Valdemar.

The courtier seems shocked by the brazen attack, and their momentary stillness is just what I need. Without hesitation, I grasp the chains around their body with both of my hands, screaming when white hot pain burns travels through my hands and up my wrists. Valdemar tries to throw me off, but I cling to them, only letting go when the two chain links I'm holding snap in half.

A loud and anguished scream erupts from Valdemar as they carelessly fling me towards Julian and Portia, their body shifting and collapsing as they throw themselves against the wall. Julian pushes Portia aside and tries to catch me, though gets knocked to the ground when my body collides with his. He grunts with pain as he hits the floor, and takes a moment to recover before sitting up and cupping my face.

"Are you hurt? Are you alright?" Julian asks me quickly, looking over my face.

I nod weakly, though I can still feel the fain burnt of the chains in my hands. Julian helps me sit up and holds me into himself, and I slip my arms around him for a moment before I force myself to my feet. I just broke two of Valdemar's chains, if I can break a few more, they might come apart completely.

While Valdemar beats themselves against the wall, I drag Julian with me as I make my way back to them, taking two more of Valdemar's chains while Julian holds onto me. He groans with pain and presses his face into my back, but doesn't let go, and the lessened pain gives me hope. I snap two more of Valdemar's chains, ignoring their furious screams, and manage to snap a third before they shove Julian and I back. He wraps his arms around me and holds me close as we watch Valdemar, who comes undone right before our eyes.

Their body twists and convulses, and I turn away when they squeal and their body drops to the ground. I cling to Julian and bury my face in his chest, relaxing when he rests his chin on top of my head and gently squeezes me. When I turn back to look, Valdemar's body is broken and still. They aren't even recognisable as anything resembling a human, and I turn back into Julian when my stomach turns at the sight of their melted flesh.

"MC... Vulgora." Julian murmurs, nodding to where Asra, Salim and Aisha are struggling against Vulgora.

I get to my feet and hold my hand out for Julian, who takes it and stands up beside me.

Portia dives towards us, almost knocking me over when she throws her arms around my neck. "That was amazing!" She giggled, hugging me tightly and bouncing up and down.

"Are you hurt, Pasha?" Julian asks her, looking her over for any sign of injury.

She shakes her head, letting go of me and wrapping her arms around her brother's waist. I smile at the pair before looking over to where Vulgora is, and I harshly shove Julian and Portia out of the way as I realise that the fiery courtier is advancing on us. Asra is crouched over his father with his mother by his side, the two of them tending to a deep gash in Salim's forehead.

"Meet your end, magician!" Vulgora spits, lunging for me.