The sky turned white as the false sun exploded. It burned like a sparkler, emitting bright, searing motes of light that rained down upon the earth like falling stars. Secondary explosions followed wherever they struck, tearing holes in walls, roofs, and cobblestone courtyards, releasing shockwaves that shattered windows and sent cracks spiralling through my wards. The falling stars grew denser and denser until every shadow had been swallowed up in terrible, blazing glory.
There was no time to think, no time to prepare a proper response. I moved on instinct, raising my staff and crying, "Stop!"
At that simple, desperate word, the word froze. My soul shuddered as the oracle of Eternity began to drain my mana, drawing it so quickly it stole the breath from my lungs. I staggered, falling against Selena's frozen form.
"Xiviyah?"
