"Prince River?!" The mages exclaimed in surprise, murmuring among themselves.
"Where are Cyrus and Sage?" River inquired, suspecting that his close friend was on the mountain.
"In the portal," Ashton replied with a smile.
"What portal?" River inquired, perplexed.
"The portal through which your lover is attempting to enter." Ashton unexpectedly responded with a bright smile.
"Katherine!" Valerie, who was in the crowd, screamed as she saw her daughter.
River turned to see Katherine walking into the path, which felt more like sinking into an invisible force.
"Stop her! She is being controlled!" Another voice yelled. It was Darren, and he was about to rush over to River and Katherine when Arthur charged at him, grabbed his arm, and threw him to the ground.
River grabbed Katherine and drew her away from the path to face him. He was astounded to see her eyes completely dead, like those of a statkus mage.
