Kingdom of Ash

southern gate and onto the plain beyond. She
didn’t care that someone had opened the gate
for them.
At her side, Abraxos nudged aside piles of
Valg soldiers, clearing a path for her. For all
those who trailed in their wake.
It was so quiet. Inside her, and on the plain.
So quiet, and empty.
Manon crossed the still battlefield. Didn’t
stop until she reached the center of the blast
radius. Until she stood in its heart.
Not a trace of the tower. Or those who had
been in it, around it. Even the stones had been
melted into nothing.
Not a trace of the Thirteen, or their brave,
noble wyverns.
Manon fell to her knees.
Ashes rose, fluttering, soft as snow as they
clung to the tears on her face.
Abraxos lay beside her, his tail curling