The silence after Vlad fell was heavier than the battle.
His body lay still, his domain shattered, Skofnung humming low in Kieran's hand like it still wanted more.
The Strategist was the last one standing.
Bloodied, breathing heavy, but alive.
He looked at me—not pleading, not afraid.
Just… waiting.
"You're not taking him are you?" Ingrid asked, stepping beside me, her voice low.
"No," I said. "He's too dangerous. If he walks, this starts again."
The Strategist gave the faintest smirk, like he expected that answer. He didn't speak.
I drew one of my swords and stepped forward.
No one stopped me.
One clean strike.
And it was over.
The other surviving Covenant members were bound by Nel's restraints, unconscious or near it. Team Obsidian regrouped without a word. They knew what this was now—not a mission, a message. One they'd deliver themselves.
Kieran finally sheathed Skofnung, his domain flickering out with a sharp snap. The air cleared, the pressure lifted.
And he said nothing.
Just turned and walked off, eyes unreadable.
Later – Hotel Room
The room was dim. Curtains drawn. No one moved much.
We sat scattered—Deya by the wall, bandaged but silent. Zach leaning back in a chair, arms crossed. Amir laid across the foot of the bed, eyes closed, one arm still stiff. Nel stood near the window, staring out.
Kieran hadn't said a word since we returned. He sat across from me, Skofnung beside him.
The air was still thick, but it wasn't essence this time.
It was thought.
Everyone was processing.
Lena was gone.
Vlad was dead.
The Strategist too.
The Covenant wasn't over—but tonight, we'd sent a message. One they'd feel.
And no one knew what to do with that.
I finally broke the silence. Just one line.
"We're not done."
Kieran looked up.
Everyone else stayed quiet.
But they didn't disagree.