As Thane's power surged, Anya reacted with surprising speed. She lunged forward, pushing Isla and Kai out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack. A cry escaped her lips as a wave of energy knocked her back against the wall.
Isla and Kai scrambled to their feet, their eyes wide with horror. Anya lay on the ground, her body convulsing, her face contorted in pain.
"Anya!" Isla cried, rushing to her side.
Anya coughed, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. "Go," she whispered, her voice weak. "Get out of here."
"We can't leave you," Kai said, his voice filled with concern.
Anya shook her head. "You must. I'll hold him off."
Isla felt a surge of gratitude and despair. Anya was sacrificing herself to give them a chance to escape.
"But how?" Isla asked, her voice trembling.
Anya pointed towards a hidden passage behind the bookshelf. "There's a way out," she said, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Go. Now."
Isla and Kai hesitated, their hearts heavy. They couldn't bear to leave Anya behind, but they knew she was right.
They exchanged a quick glance, a silent promise to return, then turned and fled towards the hidden passage. As they ran, they could hear Thane's enraged roar echoing behind them. Anya had bought them some time, but they knew it wouldn't be long before he came after them.
They had to escape. They had to survive. For Anya, for themselves, for the fate of the world.