Kael lunged forward with his knife raised high.
"If you need more power, take mine!" he shouted, driving the blade toward his own chest.
"NO!" Emma screamed, her silver glow flickering as she spun around.
Marcus caught Kael's wrist just inches from his heart. Even though the old wizard looked weak and tired, his grip was like iron.
"Stop, you fool!" Marcus gasped. "You'll kill her!"
"What are you talking about?" Kael struggled against Marcus's hold. "Emma needs power. I'm giving her mine."
"That's not how it works," Marcus said, slowly pushing the knife away. "Your connection to Emma is what keeps her human. If you die, she becomes something else entirely."
Emma's light started pulsing wildly. "What do you mean?"
The Necro-Sovereign watched them with interest, like a cat watching mice fight.
