CH.173

A sharp pain shot through him, stealing his breath and causing his grip to falter.

It was as if an invisible blade had plunged into his chest and twisted it with agonizing precision.

A strangled gasp escaped his lips as he stumbled back, clutching at his chest with his face contorted in pain.

His eyes widened in shock and disbelief, and for a moment, he seemed almost vulnerable like a mere mortal stripped of his powers.

The darkness that had been swirling around him moments before retreated, shrinking back as if it too had been wounded by this unseen attack.

Serena!

The realization hit him hard, revealing a picture more horrifying than he could have imagined.

His eyes darted back to Sirona, who had slumped to the ground when his grip had loosened, gasping for air.

But even as she massaged her bruised throat, that infuriating smirk never left her face.

She regarded him with the same smug, mocking grin despite her precarious position. The glint of triumph in her eyes spoke volumes