Following the terrified warning from the few barbarians relying on him, Jake remained utterly stoic, merely scowling in the darkness. Initially, he was more curious about when they had learned his name. Most likely, Ekho must've clued them in on their way to Havocspire.
CLANG!
The enemy commander's massive club, which should have been knocking on death's door, was barely intercepted by Hephais, inches away from smashing into Jake's skull. The Egaean had uninvitedly sprung from his shadow just in time to block the treacherous attack.
As if he needed saving... Finally turning around, Jake calmly witnessed the Vitalist getting his heart crushed a second time by the emotionless assassin. Yet, a flicker of confusion could be detected in his cold eyes, a reaction quite uncharacteristic of him.
Shifting his gaze between the dying giant and Hephais with a disapproving curl of his lip, Jake droned,
Sorry for the past two days. I'm going to be moving soon and have been searching for an apartment, so I've been pretty stressed lately. It's not completely sorted out yet, but I've taken a few days off to handle it, so I should also be able to write the chapters I owe you by next weekend.