The lead marsh spirit's arm rose in a fluid, impossible motion, reeds and water dripping as it extended skyward. Time seemed to slow for Apollo as he watched that inhuman limb hang suspended for one terrible heartbeat.
Then the world exploded into chaos.
The circle of creatures surged forward as one, a wave of twisted limbs and glowing eyes crashing toward their tiny island. Water rose with them, slamming against the patch of earth with enough force to make it tremble beneath Apollo's feet. Mud turned to slick soup, sending him staggering as he fought to keep his balance.
"Hold your ground!" Lyra shouted, her voice nearly lost in the roar of water and the eerie, layered chorus emanating from dozens of marsh spirit throats.
