Lara's breath caught in her throat, as she stood behind the king.
Around them, people scattered in confusion, some stumbling as they ran for cover, others frozen in fear, unsure where to turn.
Ninzu stepped out from behind them, her dark robes brushing softly against the ground. Her apprentice followed close, holding a pale wooden staff.
Where had they come from, Lara wondered. Ninzu's eyes shone brightly as if she had been waiting for this very moment.
With a swift motion, she drew a small pouch from her belt and released a cloud of silver powder. It shimmered in the air, clinging like frost to the familiar's shifting form.
The creature hissed, its head twisting with a sickening crack until its hollow gaze fixed on Lara.
You.
And in the next instant, both it and the rogues were gone.
Then without warning Lara dropped to her knees screaming clutching her head as if trying to hold it together.
"Aaagh!" she screamed. "No, no, get it out... GET IT OUT!"
