The golden dome of my Lumina Shield shattered like glass under the relentless assault of the shadow minions. Each blow they struck felt like a hammer against my skull. My mana was running dry, and my vision blurred at the edges.
"Shakil, let me go," Lyria whispered, her voice stronger now, though her hands still trembled. "They only want the shard. If you stay, you'll die."
"I told you," I gasped, grabbing her hand and pulling her behind a massive, ancient oak tree. "I'm not a very good listener."
I peaked around the trunk. The hooded figures were closing in, their feet making no sound on the forest floor. The leader raised a hand, and a ball of crackling purple energy formed in his palm.
"Merek's cabin is just past the Raven Falls," I said, turning to her. "If I can't hold them, you run. Don't look back."
Suddenly, Lyria reached out and touched my staff. The moment her skin met the wood, the amber glow of my runes turned into a blinding, celestial silver. A surge of power, cold and pure, rushed through me. It wasn't my magic—it was hers.
"We don't run anymore," she said, her blue eyes glowing with terrifying intensity.
I felt a sudden instinct, a spell I had never studied but now knew by heart. I pointed my staff at the ground and roared, "Starlight Pulse!"
A wave of silver energy erupted from the staff, rippling through the woods. The shadow minions didn't just fall; they evaporated into mist. The leader screamed as the light touched him, his hooded form turning to ash before he could even launch his attack.
The silence that followed was deafening.
I fell to my knees, gasping for air. The connection to her magic had left me drained, but also strangely connected to her. I could feel her heartbeat—fast, rhythmic, and ancient.
"What... what was that?" I managed to ask.
Lyria looked down at her hands, the silver glow slowly fading. "A fragment of what I am. And a beacon for those who hunt us."
She looked toward the horizon, where the Great Watchtower of the Capital was visible in the distance. "They know we're together now, Shakil. There's no turning back for you. The world will see you as a hero, or a traitor to the crown."
I looked at the charred ground where the shadows had stood, then back at her. For the first time, I didn't see a girl I needed to save. I saw a destiny I had to follow.
"Then I guess I'll have to be a very fast learner," I said, offering her a weak smile.
As we stood up to continue our journey, a distant owl hooted—three times. My heart leaped. That was Merek's signal. We weren't alone yet.