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Cheska stood rigid, her grip tight around Erin's arm, the dagger still poised at the girl's throat.
Something's wrong... Her gaze shifted.
The burning forest crackled around them, smoke curling into the bruised sky, but her mind couldn't help but ignore the two dark mages standing nearby.
"Show the Unknown Element," the scrawny one demanded, his voice sharp with impatience.
Cheska didn't speak as her gaze returned to them.
Her heart pounded against her ribs, but she kept shaking her head, her face hidden beneath the black hood.
They'll immediately know I'm not their ally when I speak close to them, she rationalized, forcing herself to breathe evenly as she edged closer with the 'hostage' still in tow.
The dark mages grew restless, exchanging suspicious glances, but Cheska pressed on, closing the distance.
