Through the rippling distortion of space, Auran and Clara reappeared, landing a short distance away from the Protectors. Dust and fragments of stone rained around them as the trembling earth slowly settled.
"Short-range teleportation," Auran said, glancing at Clara. "It's good that you used it, but… I wouldn't recommend doing it often. That spell must consume a huge amount of mana—and something tells me your mana will be crucial later."
His gaze drifted past her, fixing on the inhuman figure in the distance… or more precisely, on the staff it had driven into the ground, pulsing with ominous energy.
---
"I was wondering why Night Hunter never came to meet me as he promised," Marian said as she slowly approached, her blood-stained aura flickering faintly. Her eyes locked onto the vice-captain of the Protectors. "Turns out, he's with you after all."
