"…Kael," she whispered. "This isn't good."
Kael closed his eyes briefly.
Then opened them.
"Selena," he said softly, "I need your help today. Really."
She swallowed.
"…What do you need?"
"After this," he said, "I'll explain everything."
Darius scoffed.
"Talking like you're walking away," he said. "Cute."
He raised his hand.
"Teach him a lesson."
The moment the order left his mouth, Kael moved.
He stepped into the gap between two students as the first spell began to form. His fist came up and struck the mage's stomach.
THUD.
The air burst from the student's lungs as he collapsed instantly.
Gasps erupted.
Before the others could react, Kael pivoted, slamming his elbow into another's jaw.
CRACK.
The student spun and fell.
Selena's eyes widened.
"Kael—!"
A third student lunged from behind—
Kael turned, drawing his sword just an inch from its sheath.
The flat of the blade struck the attacker's wrist.
Darius staggered back a step.
"What the—?"
