In the heat of battle, Alysia and Aragos found themselves back-to-back, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"Don't die on me," Alysia said, half-joking.
"Not planning to," Aragos replied.
Their combined efforts finally drove the phantoms back, and the clearing fell silent.
As they caught their breath, Alysia looked at Aragos with newfound respect.
"Thank you," she said softly.
He met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Don't thank me yet," he said. "The worst is still ahead."