The gates leading into the upper sanctuary shook violently under the weight of the pushing crowd. Their heavy frames trembled against the force of the storm.
Cordelia stood near the edge of the defense line, her chest heaving as she gasped for breath.
Her long hair was coming loose from its pins, strands sticking to her sweaty forehead. She held her rapier tightly in her right hand, its thin blade dripping with dark blood. Her Wind affinity flickered weakly around her boots.
Beside her, Julia was kneeling on the cracked ground, her hands shaking as she put healing on a civilian's shoulder. Caster was nearby, shouting at the remaining guards to strengthen the defenses before the next attack hit.
Cordelia stared toward the direction where they had escaped from.
Marius...
