The Blood Guardian loomed over them like a living mountain, muscles rippling beneath cracked, shadowed skin. Its blazing eyes locked onto the team with furious intent. The ground trembled as it took a step forward, sending a shockwave that knocked several students off their feet.
"Hold the line!" Cedric shouted, drawing his sword with a fierce, controlled motion.
The team scrambled into formation, swords drawn, magic sparking at their fingertips. Thane's grip tightened around his weapon. His palm was already bruised. Celina saw how reddened it was already. She wanted to heal him, but Thane was almost at the centre of attraction. Some students were staying behind him and Cedric because they knew how strong they were.
They were sure that they would be safe as long as they stayed behind them.
Celina hung back, pushed to the fringes by the others. Whispers reached her ears...
"The ghost girl is so weak,"
"How useless... How does the prince fancy someone as weak as her?"
