Rhyos's facial expression was filled with distress as he moved his gaze away from the fallen Ashraf and turned back toward Astaroth.
She had already closed the distance between them with a burst of speed that left no time for thought.
He raised his staff in front of him defensively, and a golden circular portal spun open just as Astaroth lunged forward.
She disappeared into the swirling gateway, and in the same instant, another portal coughed her out from above, sending her tumbling beyond Rhyos's immediate reach.
Astaroth steadied herself mid-air, maintaining flight as she twisted her body to face him. A growl rumbled from her throat as her eyes locked onto the gateway god below.
Unfortunately for Rhyos, his portals were short-ranged. They could redirect attacks or reposition opponents, but they could not carry him far enough to escape.
