The air in the secluded grove thrummed with arcane energy, the faint glow of sigils pulsing beneath Romina's feet.
Shennong stood at the edge of the clearing, his sharp eyes locked on the ritual unfolding below the arena of the mages. A translucent barrier shimmered around him and Mandira, its surface rippling like liquid glass, shielding them from the chaotic forces below. Mandira's hands glowed faintly as she maintained the barrier, her expression calm but focused.
Shennong's brow furrowed, his voice low and urgent. "Mandira, what's going on down there? This… this doesn't feel right. Are they going to harm her?"
Mandira's gaze flickered to the scene below before settling on Shennong. "Elder Sister Manola has already begun the work. As expected, she's one of the most knowledgeable about spirits. This ritual is meant to draw out whatever's inside Romina. I can promise they won't do any harm to Romina on purpose."
