They crept closer, hiding in the rubble. Through the shattered archways, Aric saw Edran chained to a stone pillar, his staff cast aside.
The hooded man stood over him, flanked by cultists. His voice carried, smooth and venomous.
"You wasted your life teaching children. The boy will burn, with or without you. Better to embrace what he is."
Edran spat blood. "He is more than fire. He is more than you."
The hooded man laughed softly. "We shall see."
Aric's fists blazed, but Mira caught his arm. "Not yet. Too many guards."
He pulled free. "He's not dying in there. Not tonight."