Michael awoke to the sound of an explosion, his mind groggy, disoriented.
A rush of panic surged through him as his eyes snapped open, frantically scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
"We're under attack!"
Screams rang out, barely audible over the thunder of more explosions.
Instinct took over.
He shot up from the bed, snatched the olive-green mage robe draped nearby, and threw it on in one fluid motion. Fingers trembling, he fastened the hood into place and stumbled out of the tent.
A sea of white tents spread before him, illuminated by flickering flames. The scent of burning wood and damp forest earth assaulted his nose, blending with the acrid bite of scorched magic in the air.
"Water Division! Contain the fires!"
"Earth Division—fortify the perimeter!"
