The hooded man struck, shadows coiling into spears. Aric staggered beneath the assault, fire faltering.
Edran stepped forward, planting his staff in the ground. Light blazed from it, forming a barrier around Aric.
"You cannot have him," the magister thundered.
The shadows hissed, tearing at the barrier. Edran's face contorted with pain, sweat pouring down his brow.
"Mira!" he cried. "Take him! Run!"
"No!" Aric shouted, but Mira grabbed his arm, dragging him away.
Behind them, the barrier cracked. Light and shadow collided in a storm that shook the cavern.
When the blast faded, Edran was gone. Only his broken staff remained.