Vynira barely had time to react. The figure moved like a blur, its primal energy swirled around it forming a jagged spear in its hand. She tried to raise a defense, summoning her own energy in a shimmering barrier, but it was too late. The spear slammed into her shield with a force that sent her flying backward like a ragdoll. Her scream echoed through the chamber as she crashed into the far wall, her body crumpling to the ground.
The box fell from her grasp, tumbling across the stone floor, coming to a stop near the feet of the armored figure.
'There it is,' Damien thought, eyes flicking between the box and the ancient figure. His cover was blown now, exposed by Vynira's sudden exit from his side. The other disciples turned to look at him, surprise flashing across their faces. They were still catching their breath from the earlier explosion.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Tzarnak growled, his saber already in hand.
