She shook her head slowly.
The words dug deep.
Darron snarled, his grip tightening on his axe.
"That's enough. Time for you to—"
His voice cut off. His head slipped from his shoulders before the words were finished, and his body collapsed in a heavy heap on the broken ground.
No one saw Eleanor move. Not a single person.
The courtyard froze.
The only sound was the faint crackle of thunder rolling around her.
Selara reacted instantly, her voice sharp. "Barrier—now!"
Light erupted from her blade, spreading in a dome over the gathered forces.
It shimmered with radiant power, layer after layer of protection stacked together. The pressure of her barrier alone was enough to force the air to tremble.
"Everyone, be prepared!" she shouted.
Kael's, the third SSS rank awakener, voice followed quickly, sharp and commanding. "Mages, with me! On my—"
His words ended in a choked sound.
