Freya barely had time to raise her sword and deflect when Tama unleashed a rain of dark ice spears. They hurtled down with lethal precision so close the dark elves could already see their long, miserable lives flashing before their eyes.
Then, without warning, a soft gust of black-and-red mist swept in front of them, condensing into a massive shield. It looked as if it had been forged from blood and shadows themselves, solid, unyielding, and impenetrable. The spears shattered harmlessly against it and clattered to the ground.
The dark elves' eyes widened. A man now stood before them.
"Master…!!" Freya breathed.
"You came to save us!!" Lawson exclaimed.
The man wore a black cloak that hid his face, its folds draping to his knees paired with dark trousers and boots that moved without a sound. His face was hidden, yet the weight of his gaze pressed against their chests.
"No, l didn't come for you." he replied flatly. "I merely sensed the power of… an old friend."
