King de-elevated his construct platform, dropping back down to the wet, cracked stone of the sanctum floor.
Across the room, Grand Magus Ephelia was sprawled amidst the rubble of her throne. The glowing, crystalline fractures along her skin pulsed erratically, leaking wisps of raw, uncontained mana. Her majestic eight-foot frame looked small for the first time as she clutched her torso, struggling just to draw breath.
Barlan stood nearby, his hands empty but his stance heavy and imposing. He stretched out his right hand to retrieve his Hammer of Ruin from the debris. The hammer, coated in a black aura, lifted up and returned to the grip of Barlan, who readied for a second wave of assaults.
"Hold for now, Barlan," King said quietly.
