Suddenly, without warning, Calien and Erik looked at each other—eyes sharp, determined, locked in the kind of silent communication that only came from countless drills, hours spent in simulations, and a shared will to survive.
There was no fear between them now, only resolve.
Far away, miles beyond the crumbling walls of the tower, Nolan stared into the shimmering magical projection that captured the scene with ghostly clarity.
A cold drop of sweat trickled down his temple.
"No... wait, what are they doing? What the? Am I seeing this for real?" he muttered.
Lirazel tilted her head curiously beside him, but said nothing. She could feel his shift in mood in disbelief.
Then Nolan's voice cracked through the night like a whip, even if he knew no one could hear him. "You dumbass children! It's not a game! It won't work like that!"
But it was too late.
