The smoke had finally begun to settle, curling in lazy tendrils around what was left of the church. It clung to Eclipse's lungs like regret.
Beneath the shifting haze, broken bricks crackled softly under the weight of the boy's knees.
"Nira! Juno! Tala!" the boy wailed, voice hoarse from screaming, blood trickling down his temple.
He clawed at the debris with blistered hands, refusing to believe what his eyes already knew.
Eclipse didn't look. He didn't have to.
His back was pressed against the crumbling wall of the alley, body limp, breathing shallow.
Dirt smeared across his face, blood drying in crusted lines across his collar.
One hand dangled at his side, numb from the impact.
The other was clenched, trembling.
He couldn't feel anything.
Not the pain. Not the sorrow. Not even the guilt.
"They were... right here," the boy sobbed. "I was too slow... why..."
Click.
That sound again. Not from the sky, not from a spell.
It was the trait. Dignity+.
