Ashra's dagger pressed harder against Veyra's throat.
"Next?" Ashra laughed. "I'll show you who's next."
Her wrist moved.
A hexagonal shield of dark-green light appeared between the dagger and Veyra's throat.
KRANG!
The dagger struck it and stopped.
Before Ashra could pull back, a spectral serpent burst from the mark on Haldis's forearm. It shot across the cavern, coiled around Ashra's waist, and hurled her into the far wall.
BOOOM!
Haldis appeared beside Veyra a moment later.
"Get up," she said calmly.
Veyra stared at her, then wiped the blood from her lips and slowly rose to her feet. Her eyes had cleared, and her wind gathered around her once more.
Haldis glanced across the cavern at Simon. It was only for an instant, but she gave him a small nod.
Simon nodded back.
Across the cavern, Ashra pushed herself out of the broken wall. Her pale gold eyes moved from Haldis to Veyra, and for the first time, her smile was gone.
Vance, however, didn't seem bothered at all.
