TRAGIC CONQUENCES

POV: Hardin

As Darrel absorbed the full force of Callum's ferocious energy blast, my heart stopped in my chest. He was bathed in a putrid purple glow, with waves of malicious power that tore away skin and bone. His anguished cries echoed across the room.

"Darrel, no!" With a raw edge of panic in her voice, Jenna let out a cry.

His flaming figure slumped boneless to the ground, and I watched in terror. Curling up from his wrecked body was acrid smoke. I was unable to discern if he was still alive for an interminable, excruciating moment.

A glimmer of hope flickered through me as I noticed the faint rise and fall of his chest. He was harmed, possibly very badly, but for the time being he managed to hold on to life.

My moment of relief was fleeting, as Callum turned to face the others, his features contorted into a victorious, wicked grin. He scowled, "Did you see that, you sniveling relics?" "Behold the price of defiance against my greatness!"

Jenna stayed motionless, her arms still enc