"Watch your words, goblin!" Aurelya snapped, cheeks flushed with color as she flicked her hand forward.
A small fireball ignited in her palm and shot toward Skitz in a bright streak.
But Skitz didn't flinch.
He raised his hand lazily, and space twisted.
A swirling blot of darkness, like a tiny void, bloomed in his palm and swallowed the fire whole. No sound. No heat. Just... nothing.
The spell vanished without a trace.
Everyone froze.
Lumberling's brows lifted. Even Thessalia's usual composure cracked, and Vaenyra leaned forward slightly, eyes glowing with unease.
"Did he just... absorb my spell?" Aurelya muttered, stunned.
Before anyone could ask further, Skitz's figure began to shimmer and fade, like smoke unraveling in the wind.
Only his voice remained, echoing through the courtyard with a mischievous lilt.
"I'll speak with you later, my Lord," he said. "Take care of your women for me."
And then, silence.
Lumberling blinked, then chuckled low in his throat.
