Cassian had left the inn, pressing forward into the dark of night.
Just then, the stone ground beneath his feet grated. Dozens of thick vines erupted from the earth, lunging at him, seeking to entangle him unawares.
But before they could even make contact, a sudden, intense wave of flame radiated from Cassian's body, incinerating them all to ash.
Cassian stopped and slowly looked back. Rose stood there, staff in hand, her face a dangerous mixture of anger, disappointment, and determination.
Just in front of her stood Rod, sword drawn, positioned defensively to protect her.
Then, to Cassian's left, Kael emerged from the shadows; the two daggers in his hands gleamed ominously in the moonlight. To his right, Eric appeared, bearing his shield and sword. And when he looked straight ahead, Hebi blocked his path, her sword aimed directly at him.
He was surrounded.
