Jude lifted his hands, feeling the energy gather in his palms. It responded instantly, surging outward, crackling in the air like a living thing. He had always been cautious before, always hesitant to wield power he did not fully understand. But he understood now.
He understood that hesitation was death.
The first shadow moved.
It was fast, unnaturally so. One moment it was at the edge of the ruins, the next it was nearly upon him, its form flickering like smoke, shifting unpredictably. But Jude did not hesitate.
He turned, raising his hand, and released a pulse of energy. It tore through the air, striking the shadow with a force that sent it reeling back. But it did not fall. It did not even make a sound.
Jude barely had time to process before the next one attacked.
