In the end, Jan kept walking toward Arty with his step slow and deliberate.
His nerves prickled like needles under his skin but he forced himself forward.
As a precaution, he drew his Magic inward and let it spread around his body and wrapped him in a faint shimmering aura. It wouldn't withstand the full brunt of her power if she lashed out again but at the very least, it would keep him from dying instantly.
He finally reached her side and raised a trembling hand, resting it gently on her shoulder.
He braced himself, expecting a violent reaction like an explosion of Magic or a surge of elemental rage again. But nothing came.
Arty didn't move. She didn't even flinch. She just stood there, her body rigid and her presence feels unnervingly hollow.
Jan exhaled slowly and stepped around to face her.
That was when his breath caught in his throat. Her face was devoid of expression. Her skin was pale as moonlight. But it was her eyes that froze him where he stood.
