Chapter 222: More than a map...

Adrian's jaw tightened as he gently handed Selene over to Ava. Her slender body was limp, blood staining her silver cloak and soaking into her pale skin. 

Ava moved quickly, her golden staff radiating a soft glow as she channeled its healing magic to stabilize Selene's injuries.

"Medea, help her," Adrian said in a clipped but steady tone. Medea nodded and knelt beside Ava, her black fire swirling ominously as she used it to mend the deeper wounds. 

Adrian straightened, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. 

The broken and charred remains of Crix's body lay at the center, surrounded by scorch marks and shattered ground. Roxie was sprawled nearby, unconscious and bleeding heavily, while Saria's battered form twitched faintly on the edge of the clearing.

Lilith stepped up beside him, her crimson eyes flicking between the carnage and Adrian's tense expression. "How?" Adrian asked in disbelief. "How could she—Selene—do all this?"