After enduring an insufferable number of injuries from his defiant battle against every established order he'd been taught since he was young, Alaric's battered body was finally expelled from the River of Paths and returned to the chamber where he'd begun his journey.
Emma, who had long since completed her own run through the river, had been anxiously awaiting his return.
She was very well versed with the danger that Alaric was placing on himself. Creating a new path, a path that went against the established path…it wasn't easy, it was nearly impossible if not so.
'Please return safely…'
Moments later, a bloodied, broken body suddenly appeared in the chamber's center.
Emma's eyes widened in horror and fear. "Alaric!" she screamed, rushing towards him.
Blood was streaming from his eyes, nose, and mouth—every orifice weeping crimson from the tremendous damage he'd received. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and his breathing came in ragged, shallow gasps.
