The courtyard before the Magniora Tower was choked by a suffocating, deathly silence.
Selene stood perfectly erect atop the highest stone step. Her deep-sea blue robes, representing the Water Arcanum faction, fluttered gently in the bone-chilling twilight wind. Her long, silver hair framed a face that was entirely devoid of emotion.
In her right palm, a high-pressure water vortex spun constantly with a sharp hiss—shhh... shhh...—ready to strike and sever anyone who dared step forward.
Below her, Roland halted his dirt-caked boots.
Behind him, Rianor was still held up tightly by Eva. Adul stood at the very rear, clutching the comms box to his chest with violently trembling hands.
"The four of you... are not permitted to pass through these doors," Selene spoke softly, her voice entirely flat.
