Every flicker of movement was mapped in his mind. He turned the muzzle of his weapon with precision, his strikes clean and merciless. The Mirrorthorn Wight beasts, cloaked in illusions and psychic power, thought themselves hidden. But before they could even attempt an attack, Yu Xi's plasma gun roared, blowing them to bits in bursts of purple blood and shattered illusions.
Suddenly, Yu Xi turned back. Rowland, who should have been right behind him, was gone. His eyes narrowed as he checked the locator. Twenty feet away. Yu Xi moved swiftly, retracing his steps.
Rowland, meanwhile, was ensnared in an illusion. He thought he was following Yu Xi, guns drawn, when suddenly Yu Xi turned and smiled at him.
Rowland froze. That smile, gentle, warm, was something he had only ever seen directed at Jian Ci. To have it turned on him now was overwhelming, dazzling. His heart raced, his breath caught.
