The shockwave rippled through the passage, causing loose stones to rain down from above. In Li Shen's arms, Yu stirred and opened his eyes. Li Shen carefully set both Yu and Tian Bao on the ground, supporting Yu as he struggled to sit up.
Yu's face bore the weight of profound sorrow, his eyes distant and unfocused. Li Shen drew a breath, feeling the heavy burden of delivering the tragic news.
"Prince Yu, your parents-"
"I know." Yu's quiet voice cut through Li Shen's words. "I feel them in the leyline. They pulled me back." His fingers traced invisible patterns in the air. "And that girl too. I never even learned her name."
Yu turned to Li Shen, his gaze hollow and lost. "Li Shen, what should I do now?"
Li Shen turned away, unable to meet those empty eyes. The bitter taste of defeat filled his mouth as he considered their situation. They had failed - not only through lack of strength or preparation, but also because they had never truly understood their enemy's goal.
