"No...no way…" Sylas's hands began to shake as he poured more mana into his flames, but the vines only grew stronger, crawling up his legs and binding him to the ground.
His staff began to flicker, the ruby at its head dimming.
Luka's eyes widened. "He's leeching his magic…"
Arthur cursed. "Damn it. He's draining him dry."
Sylas screamed in frustration, fire erupting around him one last time, but it flickered and died as the vines coiled around his arms, dragging him to his knees.
Eldrin stepped forward, his staff glowing with an emerald radiance.
He knelt slightly, placing a hand on the ground. The vines shimmered, and Sylas slumped forward, his staff clattering to the marble floor.
Eldrin looked down at him, his expression calm.
"You fought with fire… and fire is life. I only borrowed its strength."
He stepped back, and the vines receded, leaving Sylas gasping for breath, his robes scorched and smoking.
