Screams. Flames. Chaos. The sky above Arcania burned a violent red as dark magic crackled through the air, splitting through stone, flesh, and steel alike. Buildings crumbled. Bodies fell. The streets were choked with smoke and ash as cloaked dark mages tore through everything in their path.
Emeney ran. Her lungs were on fire, her legs weak beneath her, but she ran, dragged forward by a warm, desperate hand locked tightly around her own.
"Don't let go!" Leo shouted over the explosions behind them, pulling her through the burning streets. His grip on her arm was fierce, refusing to ever loosen, his body always one step ahead, shielding her at every turn. Another blast hit nearby. The ground split. Emeney stumbled.
They could see the palace gates through the smoke, barely holding under the assault. Xander and Anya were already ahead, waving frantically, screaming their names. Relief and terror collided in her chest.
They sprinted.
The guards shouted. The gates began to close.
