"At last," she whispered, her voice full of satisfaction. "I finally have the power I've been seeking. I could gaze at this forever."
Suddenly, the cave grew darker. Shadows twisted around like living things as the sorcerer appeared before her.
Gathera jumped up.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded.
"Tsk, tsk, Gathera. Is that how you greet your old friend?"
"You're no friend of mine," she spat, pressing her back against the cave wall. "Leave. Now."
His smile widened, sharp and cold.
"Hand it over."
Gathera shook her head fiercely. "No. It's mine. Go away!"
The sorcerer took a slow step forward.
"You truly think you can handle the Heart of Nyxa? You? A little hedge-witch hiding in a rock?"
"I can," Gathera said. "And I will."
He let out a low laugh.
"Oh, Gathera… you don't even understand what you're holding."
"Stay back!" she warned.
The sorcerer's smile slowly faded. He lifted his hand, and the shadows behind him twisted like claws.
"Now… give it to me."
