The oppressive atmosphere thickened further, carrying the weight of Asher's cold, merciless words.
It pressed upon them all, smothering the vulpins' trembling hearts with an unbearable dread. Even the usually vibrant glow around Kira had diminished to a dim, sorrowful shimmer.
Desperation surged within Kira's battered form as she saw Asher stepping toward her with measured, relentless strides.
Her pulse thundered desperately in her ears, panic igniting a last spark of resistance deep within her. She squeezed the steel hilt tightly, her knuckles whitening under the strain as a dazzling, radiant white energy blade surged forth once more.
With a final scream of defiance and anguish, Kira swung the glowing sword toward Asher, praying it would find its mark.
"Kira, no!" Zu's desperate cry pierced through the valley, echoing painfully. He reached helplessly toward her, tears filling his eyes, knowing the fate she had brought upon herself.
