A gust of wind swept through the mountains, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and distant embers. In the next instant, Hutson stepped forward, arms crossed over his broad chest, his towering frame casting a vast shadow over the trembling apprentice. The mere presence of the warrior-mage was enough to block out the fading light, an immovable force of nature standing between his prey and any hope of escape.
His gaze was cold, devoid of emotion, as he looked down upon the second-tier apprentice. With a mere flicker of thought, the dark bindings unravelled, dissipating like smoke caught in the wind.
The moment the restraints lifted, the apprentice's legs buckled beneath him. He collapsed onto the cold ground, body convulsing with fear. His breath came in ragged gasps, his voice barely above a whisper.
"P-please… let me go…" His words trembled, thick with the weight of desperation.
Hutson remained unmoved. His voice was as unyielding as stone.
