The Bone Witch's lips curved slowly as she lifted the orb higher, as though she was inviting me to come for it.
The glow pulsed again, and Golden grew weaker in my hands. My chest clenched. I could feel her slipping away and the thought of losing her was unbearable.
Before I could think, my legs moved on their own.
"Wait, Aeris!" Rhydian shouted, reaching for me, but I yanked my hand free and sprinted forward. The battle around me blurred into noise and light. I only saw the orb. Every step pounded in my ears, my lungs burning, but I pushed harder. I had to get to it.
The Bone Witch did not move away. She stood perfectly still, her dead eyes fixed on me. Her followers hissed and snarled, their bodies twitching, but they did not block me. They wanted me to come.
