~LENORA'S POV
"Something is wrong," she murmured, low but clear enough for me to hear.
Before I could respond, she shifted in front of me. "Stay behind me." Her words came firmly.
I almost argued, because I certainly do not need shielding in a courtyard I had crossed a hundred times. But something in her tone stopped me.
Suddenly, dark smoke silently formed high in the air, thickening before dropping toward us in narrow streams.
They fell fast, straight and purposeful, aimed directly at me.
I barely had time to gasp, before Azalea moved, her hand closed around my wrist as she slammed her foot against the stone with enough force to send a sharp vibration through my legs.
A white circle flared to life at our feet, etched with glowing runes that spun along its edge.
Lines of light rose from the circle, stretching upward like pillars, each one marked with symbols I did not recognize.
Azalea began chanting ancient and unfamiliar words. The chant flowing rapidly from her lips.
