The rain poured relentlessly, hammering the lake's shore with a steady drumbeat—patter-patter.
Drops splashed against rocks and wet soil, forming tiny puddles that mirrored the gray sky.
Charles and Kaira stood frozen on the bank, eyes locked on Saria, sprawled face-down after the lightning strike.
The white flash still seemed burned into their retinas, and the air smelled of ozone and damp earth.
'A lightning bolt really hit her…' Charles thought, stunned.
Though he was annoyed she'd knocked Kaira down, he hadn't wished this on her.
Saria let out a weak groan, her body trembling as she tried to move. Her blue hair, soaked, clung to her face, and her tunic grew filthier with mud.
Kaira turned to Charles, her red eyes gleaming with shock.
It was clear she suspected he'd caused it.
Charles, catching her look, shook his head fast and muttered, "I didn't do that, I swear."
Kaira let out a low giggle, convinced Rian had done it for her.
