"Hold on!" Aragos shouted, drawing his blade.
The shadowy tendrils tightened around Alysia, choking the air from her lungs. She struggled desperately, her magic flaring in bursts of light that only seemed to anger the creature.
"Focus!" Aragos barked, slashing at the tendrils with precision. "Control your power!"
Alysia closed her eyes, forcing herself to concentrate. She visualized the magic within her, shaping it into a weapon. When she opened her eyes, a burst of light erupted from her, severing the tendrils and scattering the shadows.
She collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Aragos demanded, his voice a mix of anger and relief.
"I was trying to help," she said weakly.
"Next time, listen to me," he said, pulling her to her feet.