Marek was still trapped inside the ice.
He strained against it, sending a series of cracks through the frozen shell, but Queen Elowen's ice refused to break. The fractures had barely spread a few inches before the surrounding cold rushed in and sealed them again.
If her ultimate ice were that easy to escape, it would be an insult to Queen Elowen.
The two remaining flame giants sensed that their master was in danger. Fire surged through their bodies as they shattered their icy shells and rushed in front of Marek from either side.
Four flaming arms crossed before him.
Pale red energy spread between them, forming a curved shield. Waves of heat blasted from its surface, attempting to weaken the trident before impact.
The golden trident never slowed.
Its tip struck the pale red barrier, caving it inward before tearing the entire shield in half. The weapon shot through the opening and plunged into the first flame giant's chest.
The giant's body bent backward.
