Mont caught Lilyth's gaze for just a moment, the space between them too great for words. But it was only a moment, as another wave of soldiers was on them, fighting as desperately as ever.

He heard their words, their taunts, their screams, their pleas.

He heard metal on metal and flesh and bone.

He heard the heavy fall of bodies and he tried not to think about it or he knew he'd falter and then he'd get more than an affirming gaze from Lilyth, if he got anything at all.

Mont fought, waiting-

Words would come after-

Too late.