The fierce calmness that had kept Alora strong during her fight with Agost finally broke apart. Her ruby-colored eyes, once sharp and determined, became distant and unfocused. The beautiful flames that had surrounded her slowly flickered out, leaving the throne hall in complete darkness. Her fiery red hair, which had been floating like magic moments ago, now hung limply around her face as sweat appeared on her quickly paling skin.
'She used too much power' Arihan thought desperately, his heart pounding. In that split second, before she fell, he appeared beside her, arms ready to catch her. But when his fingers touched her skin, the throne hall vanished in a swirl of colors. They reappeared in his chambers at his private mansion, with Alora unconscious in his arms.
