"5... 4... 3... 2... 1..." Seraphine counted down, her voice dripping with anticipation. At the same time, William's Umbral chains shot out from the shadows towards the hourglass at the center of the red magic circle. He knew he had to destroy the hourglass that was acting as both a conductor and discharger of dark energy, converting life forces into a sinister power and then releasing it into the air.
Simultaneously, William used his Shadow steps to vanish, only to reappear next to Roland just as the five seconds passed. In an instant, all the chains binding Roland were shattered, freeing him from his constraints.
Once Roland was free, both he and William turned their stunned gazes to the hourglass. It was still intact, surrounded by a bubble-like transparent barrier that had protected it from harm. They were both shocked to see that their efforts had been in vain.
